What I want to build is more than a career. I want to build a stable future for my three children, a career where I can serve others, and a life that shows my kids that difficult circumstances do not have to determine where you end up. I am currently studying Administration of Justice and have maintained about a 3.5 GPA while working a full-time job and raising three children. I have earned a place on the President’s List, joined Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society, become involved with Women in Law Enforcement, volunteered in my community, and helped build a law enforcement club at my college. I am proud of these accomplishments because getting here has required me to balance many different parts of my life at once. I also live with a health condition that requires medication and regular doctor visits to keep it under control. Sometimes I experience side effects, feel sick, or deal with unhealthy changes in my weight. There are moments when I wish I did not have to deal with it, but I refuse to let my health determine what I am capable of accomplishing. Even on difficult days, I still have a full-time job to work, children depending on me, and an education I am determined to finish. My children are one of the biggest reasons I keep pushing forward. I want them to watch their mom graduate from college, continue her education, and turn years of hard work into a career with purpose. I want them to understand that success does not require having a perfect life or perfect circumstances. My goal is to pursue a career in law enforcement and use my education to serve my community. I want to help build stronger trust between law enforcement and the people they serve. I want to listen before making assumptions, treat people fairly, and remember that behind every call or case is a real person who may be experiencing one of the hardest moments of their life. Whether my future leads me to becoming a detective, working for a federal agency, or another area of law enforcement, I want my work to make a positive difference.

A paragraph I selected is from Epictetus’s Enchiridion, translated by George Long: “Of things some are in our power, and others are not. In our power are opinion, movement towards a thing, desire, aversion; and in a word, whatever are our own acts: not in our power are the body, property, reputation, offices, and in a word, whatever are not our own acts.” In this passage, Epictetus argues that real control does not come from having power over everything that happens to us. Instead, it comes from understanding the difference between what belongs to us and what does not. I don’t think his message is that we should just accept difficult circumstances and stop trying to change our lives. I think he is saying that even when we cannot control what happens to us, we still have control over our choices and what kind of person we decide to become. The first sentence seems extremely simple: “Of things some are in our power, and others are not.” Most people already know they cannot control everything. But knowing that and actually living that way are very different. We still worry about whether people approve of us, whether something will work out, whether we will succeed, or whether all the work we are putting into something will eventually pay off. What stood out to me most was what Epictetus puts in each category. He says our opinions, desires, and actions are within our power, but our bodies, property, reputation, and positions are not. Normally, we think having control over our lives means having money, success, good health, or opportunities. Epictetus turns that idea around. Those things can change, disappear, or sometimes never be available to us in the first place. What remains ours is how we respond. The fact that he specifically includes “the body” as something that is not completely within our power made this passage personal for me. I was born with a health problem that I did not choose, and it is something I have had to continue dealing with as an adult. I depend on medication and have to see my doctor regularly to make sure my health is under control. There are side effects that sometimes make me feel sick, and my weight can go up and down in ways that are unhealthy and frustrating. There are times when I wish I had never been born having to deal with this. I cannot change the fact that this is part of my life. But reading Epictetus made me think about the difference between accepting that reality and allowing it to control my future. Those are not the same thing. I can take my medication. I can go to my appointments. I can continue going to college, working, raising my children, and building the future I want for myself. None of those choices make my health problems disappear, and I don’t think strength means pretending something doesn’t hurt or bother you. To me, strength is being affected by something and still refusing to let it make every decision for you. That is why the words “our own acts” feel like the most important part of the paragraph. Epictetus reduces what truly belongs to us to something that sounds small, but it is actually powerful. What belongs to us is what we choose to do next. I see this in my education too. As a college student, I can study, complete my assignments, apply for scholarships, and keep working toward my degree. I cannot guarantee that I will receive every scholarship, earn every grade I want, or get every opportunity I apply for. That can be difficult to accept because when you work hard for something, you naturally want your effort to guarantee the outcome. Life doesn’t work that way. I have also learned that life does not stop because I am a student. I still have children to raise, bills to pay, a job to work, appointments to attend, and responsibilities outside of school. Sometimes those responsibilities compete with the person I want to be in the classroom. I cannot always create perfect circumstances for myself. What I can control is whether I keep returning to my goals when circumstances pull me away from them. Epictetus also mentions “reputation,” which stood out to me for a different reason. I can try to be a good student, mother, worker, and person, but I cannot completely control how another person sees me. I can explain myself and I can work hard, but someone else still gets to form their own opinion. If I allow another person’s opinion to determine my worth, then I am giving them control over something that should belong to me. This passage has also changed how I think about perseverance. I used to think perseverance mostly meant refusing to quit. Now I think there is more to it. Sometimes perseverance means admitting that something did not happen the way you wanted, being disappointed about it, and then deciding what you are going to do next. You don’t have to pretend that something wasn’t painful in order to move forward from it. The same is true for ambition. It is easy to connect ambition only to outcomes such as earning a degree, getting into a certain career, receiving an award, or reaching financial stability. Those things matter to me and I am working toward them. But Epictetus reminds me that who I become while pursuing those things matters too. I think that is the deeper meaning behind this short paragraph. Epictetus is not promising that understanding what we can control will suddenly make life easier. He is changing where we look for our strength. If my strength depends on everything going according to plan, then it can disappear the moment something goes wrong. If my strength comes from deciding what I will do when the plan changes, then circumstances have less power over the person I become. There will always be things about my life that I wish I could change. I wish I did not have to worry about my health or depend on medication. I wish hard work always guaranteed the outcome we wanted. But those wishes belong to the side of Epictetus’s argument that I cannot completely control. What remains on the other side is mine. I can continue learning. I can take care of my health. I can show up for my children. I can work toward my education and career. I can learn from mistakes instead of allowing them to define me. Most importantly, I can continue choosing what I do next. Epictetus begins by dividing life into what is ours and what is not. At first that sounds limiting, especially when he even places our own bodies outside of our complete control. But I think his message ultimately gives us more freedom, not less. I may not get to choose every circumstance I live through, including the body I was born with, but those circumstances do not get to make every choice for me. My choices, my actions, and the person those choices are creating are still mine.

How Mental Illness Has Affected My Family Growing up, I learned that mental illness affects far more than the person living with it. It changes families, relationships, childhoods, and the way people see the world. My mother struggled with schizophrenia and addiction throughout much of my life. She spent time in and out of jail, battled crack addiction, and often disappeared for long periods of time. As a child, I constantly wondered where she was, whether she was safe, and if she would ever come home. Even though she loved me, mental illness often made it impossible for her to be the mother she wanted to be. Watching someone you love lose pieces of themselves to an illness is heartbreaking, especially when you are too young to understand what is happening. Mental illness affected every part of my childhood. We lived in poverty, and I was bullied at school for wearing dirty clothes because we couldn’t afford new ones. There were days I skipped meals because there wasn’t enough food. I also experienced sexual abuse by someone in my own family, and when I finally found the courage to tell someone as a teenager, I wasn’t believed. Those experiences left me carrying fear, shame, and anxiety for many years. Looking back, I realize I wasn’t just struggling with difficult circumstances. I was growing up in a family deeply affected by trauma and untreated mental illness. For a long time, I believed my life would always be defined by those experiences. During my darkest moments, my faith became an anchor. I often turned to Romans 8:18: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” That verse reminded me that pain does not have to be the end of the story. I also found comfort in the writings of Alan Watts. His perspective helped me understand that suffering is part of being human, but it does not have to become my identity. Instead of asking why these things happened to me, I slowly began asking what kind of person I wanted to become because I survived them. Those experiences changed my understanding of mental illness. I no longer see it as something to fear or judge. I see it as a health condition that deserves compassion, treatment, and understanding. I often think about how different my mother’s life might have been if she had received more support instead of judgment. That thought motivates me every day. Today, I am an undergraduate student studying Administration of Justice while completing the prerequisites to become a forensic nurse. I have earned a place on the President’s List and became a member of the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. These accomplishments mean more than academic success to me because they represent resilience. They remind me that my past does not determine my future. My goal is to work with victims of violence and people experiencing trauma, treating them with dignity and compassion. I know what it feels like to believe no one is listening, and I never want another person to feel that way. Mental illness shaped my childhood, but it also shaped my purpose. It taught me empathy, resilience, and the importance of believing people when they ask for help. While I cannot change my family’s past, I can use those experiences to build a future dedicated to helping others heal. That is the legacy I hope to create.

How Mental Health Has Shaped My Life People often think mental health only affects the person who has the diagnosis. Growing up, I learned that it affects entire families. My mother struggled with addiction and mental illness throughout my childhood. She spent time in and out of jail, battled drug addiction, and was often surrounded by unhealthy relationships. I loved my mom, but her illness made life unpredictable. There were many days I wondered where she was, if she was safe, and whether she would ever come home. Watching someone you love struggle while feeling powerless to help is a pain that is difficult to describe. My childhood became even more complicated when I experienced sexual abuse by someone in my own family. I carried that secret for years before finally finding the courage to tell someone as a teenager. When I did, I wasn’t believed. That moment made me question my own voice and left me feeling completely alone. I was also bullied at school for wearing dirty clothes because my family was so poor, and there were days I skipped meals because there simply wasn’t enough food. For a long time, I believed my life would always be defined by trauma and pain. There were moments when I didn’t want to keep going. Looking back now, I realize I wasn’t weak. I was a child carrying burdens that no child should ever have to carry. During my darkest moments, my faith became an anchor. I often returned to Romans 8:18: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” That verse reminded me that my pain did not have to be the end of my story. I also found comfort in the writings of Alan Watts. His perspective helped me understand that suffering is part of being human, but it does not have to become my identity. Instead of asking, Why did this happen to me? I slowly began asking, What can I become because I survived it? That change in perspective transformed my life. Today, I am an undergraduate student studying Administration of Justice while completing the prerequisites to become a forensic nurse. I have earned a place on the President’s List and was inducted into the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. Those accomplishments mean more to me than academic recognition. They remind me that my past does not determine my future. My experiences have also shaped the kind of mother and future healthcare professional I hope to be. I want my children to grow up knowing they are safe, heard, and loved. I also want survivors of violence and people experiencing mental health challenges to know they will be treated with compassion, dignity, and respect. Mental health has changed the way I see the world. It has taught me that kindness can save lives, that believing someone when they share their story matters, and that healing begins when people feel seen instead of judged. My past is part of who I am, but it will never define who I become. Instead, it has become the foundation of the life I am building and the reason I want to help others find hope, even during their darkest moments.

How do you miss someone who is still alive? That question has followed me for years. My mother struggled with addiction and mental illness throughout my childhood. She spent time in and out of jail, battled drug addiction, and was often surrounded by unhealthy relationships. I loved my mom deeply, but her illness made life unpredictable. I spent years wondering where she was, whether she was safe, and hoping she would someday find peace. Loving someone with mental illness taught me that it doesn’t only affect the person diagnosed. It quietly reshapes an entire family. There were nights when I wondered if life would ever get better. As a child, I experienced sexual abuse by someone in my own family. When I finally found the courage to tell someone as a teenager, I wasn’t believed because it involved my own family. That heartbreak stayed with me for years. Growing up with a mother who struggled with addiction and mental illness meant my childhood was often filled with instability, fear, and uncertainty. I was bullied for wearing dirty, worn out clothes because we were so poor, and there were days I skipped meals because there simply wasn’t enough food. For a long time, I believed my life would always be defined by pain. There were moments when I wanted to end my life because I couldn’t imagine things ever getting better. No child should ever feel that alone. When I was nine years old, my father died in a car accident. After that, my grandmother became my safe place. Every morning she made breakfast, poured a cup of coffee, and sat with me before the day began. Looking back, those ordinary mornings became the moments that taught me what love, stability, and safety felt like. When she later passed away from cancer, I lost the person who had shown me that even during life’s hardest seasons, kindness could still exist. During my darkest moments, my faith became something I held onto even when I couldn’t understand why everything had happened. One verse I returned to often was Romans 8:18: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Those words reminded me that my suffering did not have to be the end of my story. I also found comfort in the writings of Alan Watts. His perspective taught me that suffering is part of being human, but it does not have to become my identity. Instead of spending my life asking, Why did this happen to me? I slowly began asking, What can I become because I survived it? That shift didn’t erase my trauma, but it gave me the courage to keep moving forward. Those experiences completely changed how I see mental health. Trauma leaves wounds that are often invisible, yet they shape how people trust, love, and move through the world. I know what it feels like to believe no one is listening. Because of that, I want to become the person who listens. I want people to know they are believed, valued, and never alone. Today, I am studying Administration of Justice while completing the prerequisites to become a forensic nurse. My goal is to care for victims of violence, abuse, and trauma with compassion, dignity, and respect. I know healing is about more than treating physical injuries. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is believe someone when they finally find the courage to tell their story. Despite everything I experienced, I refused to let my past determine my future. Education became my way of breaking the cycle. I earned a place on the President’s List and was inducted into the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. These achievements mean far more to me than grades or recognition. They are reminders that I am no longer the little girl who believed she would never escape her circumstances. They represent resilience, perseverance, and hope. My experiences have also shaped the kind of mother I want to be. I want my children to grow up feeling safe, heard, and loved. I want them to know they can talk about their emotions without fear of judgment because mental health deserves the same compassion and care as physical health. Destigmatizing mental health begins with believing people when they speak, treating them with dignity, and creating spaces where they feel safe enough to ask for help. I cannot erase my childhood or change what happened to me, but I can decide what those experiences mean. Every class I complete, every person I help, and every step I take toward becoming a forensic nurse is my way of proving that trauma does not have to define a life. It can become the reason someone chooses to bring hope, healing, and compassion into the lives of others. Receiving this scholarship would not only help me continue my education, but it would also remind me that my story has purpose. For many years, I believed my past was something I needed to hide because it made me different. Today, I realize it has become one of my greatest strengths. It has taught me resilience when life felt impossible, compassion when it would have been easier to become bitter, and hope even when I couldn’t see what was ahead. I want to spend my life proving that a person’s circumstances do not determine their future. My story began with trauma, loss, and silence, but I believe it will continue with healing, service, and giving hope to others who are still searching for their own light.

When I became a mother as a teenager, I loved my child deeply, but I was also scared. I was still trying to understand who I was while suddenly becoming responsible for another human being. My son is nine years old now, and when I look at him, I sometimes think about the young girl I was when I first became his mother. I had no idea how much motherhood would change the direction of my life. Being a teen mom affected my education because survival often came before school. I had to think about childcare, work, bills, and providing stability while many people my age were focused only on themselves and their futures. My educational journey was not perfect. There were times when family responsibilities and financial hardship affected my academic progress, and for a while, I carried shame about my setbacks. As my family grew and I became a mother of three, the responsibility became greater, but so did my motivation. I returned to college determined to prove to myself and my children that a difficult beginning did not have to determine our future. I raised my GPA, earned recognition on the President’s List, and joined Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. I became involved in Women in Law Enforcement, volunteered through churches and homeless shelters, and continued working full time as a Direct Support Professional caring for adults with developmental disabilities. This fall, I am completing my associate degree in Administration of Justice and preparing to transfer to a university. Next semester, I will begin my nursing prerequisite courses with the goal of becoming a forensic nurse. My decision to pursue nursing comes from years of caring for others and witnessing how vulnerable people can become during the most difficult moments of their lives. Through my work as a Direct Support Professional, I have learned that care is more than completing a task. It is noticing when someone’s behavior changes, listening when they cannot easily express what is wrong, advocating for their needs, and protecting their dignity. I am especially drawn to forensic nursing because it brings together healthcare and justice. My own life has been affected by addiction, abusive relationships, loss, and family instability. I understand what it feels like to carry experiences that other people cannot see. As a forensic nurse, I hope to care for patients who have experienced violence, abuse, or trauma while also contributing to accurate documentation and evidence preservation. I want patients to feel that during one of the worst moments of their lives, someone listened to them and treated them with compassion. Being a teen mother made my path to higher education more complicated, but it also gave my goals a deeper purpose. My children have watched me work full time, study late, experience setbacks, and continue returning to my education. I hope they remember that part of my story. My son was the child who first made me a mother. Nine years later, he is old enough to see me working toward graduation and preparing for nursing. One day, I hope to tell him that becoming his mother as a teenager did not end my dreams. It taught me why I needed to fight for them. I am not pursuing nursing despite becoming a teen mom. In many ways, I am pursuing it because motherhood taught me how powerful it is to care for, advocate for, and protect another person. I want to carry those lessons into forensic nursing and spend my career helping people when they need someone in their corner the most.

By the age of eleven, I had already learned how quickly a child’s sense of security can disappear. When I was nine years old, my father passed away in a car accident. I was still trying to understand death while my family faced other forms of instability. My mother struggled with crack addiction and alcoholism, and I witnessed the painful effects of addiction and abusive relationships. When I was eleven, my mother left to be with her boyfriend. I remember feeling abandoned and wondering why I was not enough for her to stay. My grandmother became the person who stayed. She raised me when my life could have gone in a very different direction. After experiencing death, addiction, and rejection, she gave me what I desperately needed: consistency. She could not bring my father back or erase my pain, but she gave me a home, guidance, and the security of knowing someone would be there. Some of my most precious memories are the simplest ones. I miss our mornings together, sitting at the table with breakfast and coffee. There were no devices at the table and no need to rush. We simply enjoyed each other’s company, talked, and laughed. At the time, those mornings felt ordinary. Now, I would give anything to sit at that table with her one more time. Four years ago, I lost my grandmother to cancer. Psalm 147:3 says, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Those words are meaningful to me because much of my life has been about learning to live with wounds I did not choose. I have learned that healing does not mean forgetting. Sometimes it means carrying someone’s love and lessons into the life you continue to build. Today, I am a mother of three, a full time Direct Support Professional, and a first generation college student. This fall, I am completing my associate degree in Administration of Justice and preparing to transfer to a university. Next semester, I will begin nursing prerequisite courses with the goal of becoming a forensic nurse. Forensic nursing represents the connection between two areas I care deeply about: justice and healthcare. My experiences with addiction, abusive relationships, homelessness, and family instability have made me aware that vulnerable people often carry wounds that are not immediately visible. I want to provide compassionate care while contributing to the careful documentation and preservation of evidence that may help a patient seek justice. My educational journey has included setbacks and financial hardship, but I returned to college determined to create stability for my children. I raised my GPA, earned recognition on the President’s List, joined Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society, became involved with Women in Law Enforcement, volunteered through churches and homeless shelters, and pursued leadership opportunities. I am also helping develop a law enforcement focused student organization on my campus. Being raised by my grandmother shaped my goals because she taught me how deeply one person can change another person’s life. I want my future patients to know that during one of the most frightening or painful moments of their lives, someone sees them, believes their pain matters, and is willing to care. My grandmother did not change the entire world. She changed mine. She will not physically be there when I graduate or transfer, but I believe she is looking down on me smiling, seeing how much I have changed and what I am doing with my life. I hope she is proud of the mother, student, and woman I have become. Miss you grandma.

I know what it feels like to need a community before you are old enough to understand why. Growing up in a low income family, there were times when food banks helped put food on our table and programs like Toys for Tots made sure we had something to open during the holidays. As a child, I did not know the names of the people who donated their time, packed the boxes, or chose gifts for children they would never meet. I only knew that because of them, difficult moments felt a little less heavy. As I grew older, I realized that strong communities do not happen by accident. They are built by people who decide that someone else’s struggle matters. The Bible teaches us to “love thy neighbour as thyself” in Mark 12:31. To me, loving our neighbors means more than being kind to those who live beside us. Our neighbors are the people in our schools, churches, shelters, workplaces, and communities. They are families struggling quietly and individuals who feel invisible because of homelessness, addiction, mental health struggles, disabilities, or financial hardship. I know what it is like to be part of a family that needed help. That is why service is personal to me. As a first generation college student studying Administration of Justice, I actively look for opportunities to serve. Through Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society, I participate in volunteer and community service. I have also volunteered through churches and homeless shelters, helping people facing difficult circumstances. Service is also part of my career. I work full time as a Direct Support Professional caring for adults with developmental disabilities. My job has taught me patience, compassion, and the importance of treating every individual with dignity. Some of the most meaningful moments are simple acts of listening, encouraging independence, and helping someone feel safe, valued, and heard. My involvement also extends to my college. I am involved with Women in Law Enforcement and have pursued leadership opportunities connected to public service. One effort I am especially proud of is helping develop a law enforcement focused student organization on my campus. I have reached out to students, connected with an advisor with experience in probation, and worked toward bringing law enforcement professionals into conversations with students. This matters because not every student grows up with professional connections. I did not. As a first generation student, I understand what it feels like to have ambition but not always know the next step. I want other students to have a place where they can ask questions, find guidance, and feel that they belong. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “And let us not be weary in well doing.” The people who once helped my family may never know my name or where my life took me. They may never know that the little girl who received their help grew up remembering their kindness. Still, their service mattered. I do not pretend that I have changed an entire city. My impact has been built through my work as a caregiver, volunteer service through my honor society, churches and homeless shelters, and my efforts to create opportunities for other students. My goal is to spend my life loving my neighbors through service, compassion, and action. My community once helped carry my family through difficult chapters. Now, I want to spend my life helping carry others through theirs.

Growing up, I learned that a person’s story can look completely different depending on which chapter you enter. Some of my earliest memories are shaped by uncertainty. My family sometimes depended on food banks and programs like Toys for Tots, and I grew up watching someone I loved struggle with addiction and mental illness. As a child, I did not understand why a person could love you and still be unable to save themselves. I did not have the words for addiction, instability, or mental health. I only knew that some days felt normal and others did not. Books gave me words for things I had spent years trying to understand. Through reading, I discovered stories of complicated people: individuals who made mistakes, carried invisible pain, and were often judged by a single chapter of their lives. I began to understand that people are rarely as simple as the worst thing they have done or the hardest moment they have survived. Reading taught me that understanding someone’s circumstances does not erase accountability, but it can change the way we see and respond to them. One passage that has remained with me comes from Alan Watts’ The Wisdom of Insecurity: “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” For years, I struggled to accept change because so much of the change I experienced felt like loss. I became a mother, worked full time, and tried to attend college while carrying financial and family responsibilities. My education suffered. There were semesters when surviving the immediate problems in front of me felt more urgent than planning a future for myself. Eventually, I began to wonder if I had already ruined my opportunity to succeed. Watts’ words challenged the way I viewed that period of my life. I could continue standing still, ashamed of the chapters I wished I could rewrite, or I could accept that my story was still moving. I returned to college with a different sense of purpose. I raised my GPA, joined an honor society, became involved in law enforcement organizations, and stepped into leadership roles I once would have been afraid to pursue. Today, I am studying Administration of Justice and preparing to transfer to a university. My goal is to build a career in law enforcement and public service. The books I have read have influenced that goal because they taught me to look beyond what is immediately visible. Behind every report, investigation, or encounter is a human being whose entire life cannot be summarized by one moment. Perhaps that lesson matters so deeply to me because I know what it feels like to have difficult chapters. Reading did not erase the instability of my childhood or make adulthood easier. It did something quieter and more lasting: it taught me how to understand. Books gave me the ability to enter lives different from my own, question my assumptions, and recognize the humanity in people whose choices I may not always agree with. I have learned that growth rarely announces itself while it is happening. Sometimes, you only recognize it when you look back and realize you are no longer the person who was afraid to move forward. My story is still being written. I cannot change its earlier chapters, but I no longer want to tear them out. They are the reason I read people more carefully, pursue justice with empathy, and continue moving with change. As Alan Watts wrote, sometimes we must join the dance. I finally have.

My story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and determination. As a first generation Latina college student and single mother, my journey has not been easy, but every obstacle I have faced has shaped the woman I am becoming today. Growing up, I experienced instability at a young age. I witnessed a parent struggle with addiction, and there were times my family relied on food banks and programs like Toys for Tots just to make it through difficult seasons. Those experiences taught me early on what hardship looks like, but they also taught me strength. I learned that sometimes survival means pushing through even when things feel impossible. Becoming a mother changed my life in ways I never expected. It gave me purpose, but it also came with challenges. As a single mother, I carry the responsibility of providing for my children while trying to build a better future for us. There have been many nights where I came home exhausted from work, put my children to bed, and stayed up late studying or finishing assignments. Balancing motherhood, full time work, and school has been one of the hardest things I have ever done, but it has taught me discipline, resilience, and sacrifice. There were moments where I questioned myself and wondered if I could keep going. Financial stress, emotional exhaustion, and the pressure of trying to succeed in every role often felt overwhelming. But every time I thought about giving up, I looked at my children and remembered why I started. I am determined to break generational cycles and create a life for them filled with stability, opportunity, and hope. Today, I am proud to say I am graduating this fall with my AA-T in Administration of Justice while maintaining a 3.5 GPA. I also serve in a leadership role in the Women in Law Enforcement Club, am a member of the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society, and continue giving back through food drives and community service. I plan to transfer to a university while completing my prerequisites for an RN program. My long-term goal is to become a forensic nurse. I want to combine healthcare, advocacy, and public service to support victims of trauma, violence, and crisis. I want to be a voice for vulnerable individuals during some of the most difficult moments of their lives and help them find healing, support, and justice. This scholarship would make a life-changing impact on my career goals by helping relieve the financial burden of continuing my education. More importantly, it would be a reminder that my story matters, my struggles were not for nothing, and that someone believes in the future I am working so hard to build. It would not only support my education, but also help me create a legacy of strength, perseverance, and opportunity for my children.

As a first generation, low income college student, my plans for the future are rooted in one goal: creating a better life for my children and using my experiences to help others facing some of life’s hardest moments. Growing up, college never felt like something guaranteed. I witnessed instability, struggled through financial hardship, and watched my family rely on food banks and programs like Toys for Tots just to get by. Those experiences showed me how quickly life can become uncertain, but they also taught me resilience and the importance of never giving up. Today, I am working hard to break those cycles. I am graduating this fall with my AA-T in Administration of Justice and plan to transfer to a university to continue my education while completing my prerequisites for an RN program. My long-term goal is to become a forensic nurse, where I can combine healthcare, advocacy, and public service to support victims of trauma, violence, and crisis. Forensic nursing is important to me because it brings together two passions I have carried throughout my life: helping vulnerable people and seeking justice for those who may not have a voice. I want to work with individuals during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, providing not only medical care, but also compassion, support, and advocacy. I believe healing and justice often go hand in hand, and I want to be part of that process. Beyond my career goals, I want to be an example for my children. As a mother, everything I do is bigger than myself. I want them to see that even when life is difficult, education can change everything. I want them to understand that where you come from does not determine where you can go. By earning my degree and continuing my education, I am showing them that hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance can build a better future. This scholarship would help relieve the financial burden that comes with balancing college, parenthood, and everyday responsibilities. Between tuition, textbooks, and supporting my family, the cost of higher education can feel overwhelming. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to stay focused on my education and move one step closer to achieving my goals without carrying as much financial stress. More than financial support, this scholarship would be a reminder that someone believes in my potential, my journey, and the future I am working so hard to create. It would be an investment not only in my education, but in my children’s future and in the lives I hope to impact through my career.

Being a single mother while pursuing higher education has been one of the most difficult yet meaningful journeys of my life. Every day feels like carrying the weight of multiple roles at once. I am not only a student working toward a degree, but also a mother, provider, protector, and role model for my children. Balancing all of those responsibilities while trying to build a better future can feel overwhelming, but it has also made me stronger. One of the greatest difficulties I face is balancing school, work, and parenthood. There are many days where I wake up early to get my children ready, handle my responsibilities, go to work, and then come home to complete assignments or study late into the night after they are asleep. By that time, I am physically and emotionally exhausted, but my work is not done. There are moments where I feel like there are not enough hours in the day, and the pressure of trying to succeed in every role can be exhausting. As a mother, I carry the constant responsibility of making sure my children are okay while also trying not to fall behind in school. Financially, being a single mom in college is one of the hardest challenges I have faced. As a first generation, low income student, I know what it feels like to struggle. Growing up, my family relied on food banks and programs like Toys for Tots just to make it through difficult times. Now as a mother, I carry that fear with me because I never want my children to experience that same uncertainty. Between rent, groceries, gas, bills, childcare, and the everyday expenses of raising children, adding tuition, textbooks, and school materials creates an overwhelming financial burden. There have been times where I had to make impossible choices, choosing between what my children needed in the moment and what I needed for school. Emotionally, the journey can feel isolating. There are nights I question myself and wonder if I am doing enough. I ask myself if I am spending enough time with my children, if I am making the right choices, and if all the sacrifices I am making will truly pay off. Missing important moments because of work or school is one of the hardest parts of being a parent in college. The guilt can be heavy. At times, I feel torn between being present for my children and staying committed to my education. What keeps me going is knowing that my education is bigger than me. I am graduating this fall with my AA-T in Administration of Justice and plan to transfer to a university while completing my prerequisites for an RN program. My long term goal is to become a forensic nurse, combining healthcare, advocacy, and public service to support vulnerable individuals and victims of trauma. I want my children to see that no matter how difficult life gets, you can keep going and create something better. My children are my greatest motivation. They are the reason I keep pushing through the stress, the sleepless nights, and the financial struggles. I want to break generational cycles of hardship and create stability, security, and opportunity for them. I want them to grow up knowing that their mother fought for a better life and never gave up. Winning this scholarship would not only help relieve the financial burden of continuing my education, but it would mean so much more than that. It would remind me that someone believes in me, in my journey, and in the future I am working so hard to build for my children and myself. That belief would be a powerful reminder that all of these sacrifices are worth it.

I want to become a police officer because I know what it feels like to grow up in instability and wish someone had been there to protect, guide, or simply understand. Growing up, I witnessed a parent struggle with addiction, and my family often relied on food banks and programs like Toys for Tots just to make it through the holidays. There were many moments where life felt uncertain, and as a child, I learned what it meant to carry fear, pain, and responsibility at a young age. Those experiences shaped me. Instead of allowing hardship to define my future, I chose to let it strengthen me. I became determined to break cycles, build a better life for my children, and become the kind of person others can turn to when they feel lost, afraid, or alone. I understand what it feels like to struggle, and because of that, I want to dedicate my life to helping others through their hardest moments. As a first generation, low income college student, I am graduating this fall with my AA-T in Administration of Justice and plan to transfer to a university to continue my education while completing my prerequisites for an RN program. My long term goal is to become a forensic nurse, where I can combine healthcare, advocacy, and public safety to support victims of trauma, violence, and crisis. I believe both law enforcement and forensic nursing share the same purpose: protecting people, seeking truth, and serving those who are vulnerable. Balancing full time work, school, and raising my children has taught me discipline, sacrifice, and resilience. There have been many times I felt overwhelmed and wanted to give up, but every challenge reminded me why I started and who I am fighting for. My children are my motivation, and they push me to keep going even on the hardest days. I currently maintain a 3.5 GPA while staying active in leadership, academics, and community service. I serve in a leadership role in the Women in Law Enforcement Club, I am a member of the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society, and I volunteer through food drives and community programs because I know what it feels like to need help. Winning this scholarship would not only help ease the financial burden of continuing my education, but it would also mean something even greater. It would remind me that someone believed in me, in my story, and in the future I am working so hard to build for myself, my children, and the community I hope to serve.

Working part time while pursuing my degree has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. As a full time student, single mother of three children, and employee at a nursing home, balancing these responsibilities has taught me discipline, resilience, and sacrifice. Working is not optional for me. It is necessary to support my children while continuing my education and building a better future for us. I currently work part time at a nursing home, often working long 8 hour and 12 hour shifts throughout the week while attending school full time. My work has given me firsthand experience caring for people during some of their most vulnerable moments, and it has strengthened my passion for nursing. Being able to comfort, support, and care for residents has shown me that healthcare is not just a career path for me, it is my calling. Balancing work and school can be exhausting. There are many days when I go from work straight into school responsibilities, then come home to continue my role as a mother. Once my children are asleep, that is when my studying begins. My life requires constant planning because there is no room to fall behind. One of the most difficult times balancing work and school was during finals while working long overnight shifts. I remember working from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m., coming home physically exhausted, and still having assignments and exams waiting for me. At the same time, my children still needed me. I had to wake up, care for them, and continue being present as a mother despite feeling mentally and physically drained. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed and questioned if I could keep up. The pressure of deadlines, financial stress, parenting, and lack of sleep felt heavier than I could carry. But I reminded myself why I started. Every sacrifice I was making was building a better future for my children and myself. To overcome that challenge, I became even more disciplined with my time. I studied during breaks at work, used every free moment wisely, and stayed organized with my assignments. I leaned on my determination and refused to let temporary exhaustion stop me from reaching my goals. Despite these challenges, I have maintained a 3.5 GPA, earned recognition on the Presidential List, and remained active in the Women in Law Enforcement Club and the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. I also volunteer in my community because giving back has always been important to me. These accomplishments remind me that even in the hardest seasons of life, growth is still possible. This fall, I will complete my Associate degree in Criminal Justice, and in Spring 2027, I will apply to the Registered Nursing program as I continue working toward my long term goal of becoming a forensic nurse. My goal is to combine both healthcare and justice by working with victims of violence, trauma, abuse, and addiction. I want to be there for people during some of the darkest moments of their lives, helping them heal while also advocating for their safety, dignity, and justice. Winning this scholarship would mean more than financial support. It would mean that someone saw my sacrifices, my long nights, and my determination and believed in me. Sometimes all it takes is one person believing in you to remind you that your future is still worth fighting for. That belief would help me continue my education and remind me that I am not walking this journey alone.

My journey toward nursing has been shaped by pain, resilience, and the people I love most. Growing up, I witnessed mental health struggles, addiction, and instability within my family, especially through my mother. Watching someone I loved fight battles that I could not fix broke my heart in ways I was too young to understand. There were times when I felt helpless, confused, and scared, wondering if life would ever feel stable. Those experiences taught me early that healing is not only physical. It is emotional, mental, and spiritual too. Seeing my mother struggle opened my eyes to the importance of compassion. I learned that behind every addiction, every breakdown, and every painful choice is often a deeper story. It taught me not to judge people for their struggles, but to understand them. That understanding became the foundation of who I am and the reason I want to pursue nursing. As a single mother of three children, my journey has been far from easy. There have been nights when I stayed awake studying after my children fell asleep, exhausted from balancing work, school, and motherhood. I currently work in a nursing home, often working long eight and twelve hour shifts throughout the week while attending school full time. Working closely with residents has strengthened my love for nursing and confirmed that this is the path I am meant to take. Caring for people during vulnerable moments has shown me how much compassion, patience, and presence can mean. There were many moments when I questioned if I was strong enough to keep going, when the weight of financial stress, parenting, and academics felt heavier than I could carry. But every time I felt like giving up, I looked at my children and reminded myself why I started. They are my greatest motivation. My children have taught me that love can give you strength you never knew you had. Everything I do is for them. I want them to grow up seeing their mother fight for a better future, even when life feels impossible. I want them to know that struggle does not have to define your future. I want them to see that pain can become purpose. Despite the challenges I have faced, I have remained committed to my education and growth. I have worked hard to maintain a strong GPA, earn recognition on the Presidential List, and stay active in the Women in Law Enforcement Club and the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. I also volunteer in my community because giving back has always been important to me. These accomplishments mean more to me than grades or titles. They are proof that despite everything I have been through, I kept going. This fall, I will complete my Associate degree in Criminal Justice, and in Spring 2027, I will be applying to the Registered Nursing program as I continue working toward my long term goal of becoming a forensic nurse. This path combines both of my passions: healthcare and justice. I want to work with victims of violence, trauma, abuse, and addiction, helping them heal while also advocating for their safety and justice. I know what it feels like to carry pain, and I want to be the person who reminds others they are not alone. Outside of nursing, what gives me the most joy and purpose is being a mother and serving others. Motherhood has taught me patience, sacrifice, and unconditional love. Volunteering has reminded me that even small acts of kindness can change someone’s life. Nursing is not just a career to me. It is a calling. It is my chance to turn my pain into healing, my struggles into strength, and my experiences into hope for others. More than anything, I want to be the kind of nurse who makes people feel seen, heard, and cared for. Because sometimes that can be the first step toward healing, and I know how much that can mean.

Being a first-generation college student means carrying both pride and responsibility. It means stepping into a world my family never had the chance to navigate and finding my way without a roadmap. As a Mexican American woman, single mother of three, and first-generation student, my journey has been shaped by hardship, resilience, and the determination to build a life different from the one I grew up in. Growing up, my family struggled financially, and I witnessed firsthand the effects of mental health challenges and addiction through my mother’s struggles. Watching someone I loved battle those challenges deeply shaped me. It taught me that behind every person’s pain is a story, and that healing requires compassion, patience, and understanding. Those experiences made me realize how important it is to have people willing to help during life’s darkest moments. As a first-generation student, college was never something handed to me. I had to figure it out on my own while balancing responsibilities many students do not carry. Alongside school, I work part time and raise my three children. There have been nights of exhaustion, moments of financial stress, and times I questioned if I could keep going. But every challenge reminded me why I started. My children are my reason for pushing forward. I want them to grow up seeing that struggle does not define your future, but how you respond to it does. Despite every obstacle, I have remained committed to my education and growth. I have worked hard to maintain a strong GPA, earn recognition on the Presidential List, and stay active in the Women in Law Enforcement Club and the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. I also volunteer in my community because giving back has always been important to me. These accomplishments represent more than academic success. They are proof of resilience, sacrifice, and the future I am building. This fall, I will complete my Associate degree in Criminal Justice, and my long term goal is to continue my education in nursing to become a forensic nurse. This path allows me to combine my passion for law and healthcare into one career. Through my Criminal Justice background, I want to advocate for victims and help them find justice. Through nursing, I want to care for people physically and emotionally during some of the most traumatic moments of their lives. My goal is to work with victims of violence, abuse, trauma, and addiction, helping them feel safe, heard, and supported. I want to be the kind of person who steps in when someone feels powerless and reminds them that healing and justice are still possible. This scholarship would help ease the financial burden of continuing my education, but it would mean much more than that. It would mean that someone saw my story, my struggles, and the purpose behind them and believed in me. Sometimes all it takes is one person believing in you to remind you that your future is still worth fighting for. Through my education and career, I hope to turn my pain into purpose and create a future rooted in healing, justice, and hope.

Growing up, I learned early that life could be unpredictable. My family struggled financially, and I watched my mother battle mental health challenges and substance abuse. Those experiences shaped my childhood in ways that forced me to grow up faster than most. There were times when life felt unstable, uncertain, and painful, but those hardships taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of never giving up. Being raised in a low income household showed me how difficult it can be to simply survive, and it made me realize how important it is to have people who care and are willing to help. Watching my mother struggle with addiction also taught me that behind pain and suffering, there is always a story. It taught me not to judge others by what they are going through, but to understand them with compassion. Today, those experiences have become the foundation of who I am. I am a single mother of three children, and they are the reason I continue pushing forward every day. Balancing motherhood, work, and college has been one of the hardest journeys of my life. There have been sleepless nights, financial struggles, and moments where I questioned if I could keep going. But every sacrifice I make is rooted in one purpose: creating a better future for my children and breaking the cycles of hardship I grew up in. Despite the challenges, I have remained committed to my education and growth. I have worked hard to maintain a strong GPA, earn recognition on the Presidential List, and stay involved in organizations such as the Women in Law Enforcement Club and the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. I also volunteer in my community because giving back has always been important to me. These accomplishments represent more than academic success. They are proof of my resilience and my determination to create change. This fall, I will be earning my Associate degree in Criminal Justice, and my long term goal is to continue my education in nursing to become a forensic nurse. This career combines both of my passions: healthcare and justice. Through nursing, I want to care for individuals during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Through my Criminal Justice background, I want to advocate for victims and help them find healing, safety, and justice. My goal is to work with individuals affected by trauma, violence, abuse, and addiction because I understand how deeply pain can affect a person and their family. I want to be someone who helps people feel seen, heard, and supported during the moments when they feel most alone. I believe the greatest impact we can make in this world is by helping others heal. My career will allow me to turn my pain into purpose and use my education to serve those who are hurting. This scholarship would help ease the financial burden of continuing my education, but more than that, it would mean that someone believed in me, my story, and the future I am fighting for. Sometimes all it takes is one person believing in you to remind you that your dreams are still possible. That belief would strengthen my journey and help me continue building a life rooted in healing, justice, and hope.

Sobriety and recovery have played a powerful role in my life, not through my own addiction, but through the struggles of someone I love deeply, my mother. Growing up, I watched her battle mental health challenges and substance abuse, and it shaped me in ways I still carry today. There were times when I felt helpless, confused, and heartbroken watching someone I loved fight battles I could not fix. Addiction does not only affect the person struggling. It affects the entire family. As a child, I experienced instability, pain, and uncertainty because of addiction. There were moments when I felt abandoned emotionally and times when I had to grow up faster than I should have. Watching my mother struggle taught me how fragile life can be, but it also taught me compassion. It showed me that behind addiction is often pain, trauma, and suffering that many people never see. One of the greatest acts of courage I witnessed was my mother continuing to fight even when life felt impossible. Recovery is not a straight path. It comes with setbacks, fear, and pain, but courage is choosing to keep going anyway. Watching her fight taught me resilience and showed me that healing is possible. Romans 5:3 to 4 says, “We glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” That verse has stayed with me because it reminds me that pain can shape purpose. Through my family’s struggles, I chose to let it build me instead of break me. Those experiences shaped who I am today. They taught me to lead with understanding instead of judgment and showed me that healing requires patience, support, and compassion. Because of what I have lived through, I want to dedicate my life to helping others who are hurting. Despite my hardships, I have remained committed to my education. I have worked hard to maintain a strong GPA, earn recognition on the Presidential List, and stay involved in the Women in Law Enforcement Club and the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. I also volunteer in my community because serving others has always been important to me. These accomplishments represent more than academic success. They are proof that I refused to let my circumstances define me. This fall, I will complete my Associate degree in Criminal Justice, and my long term goal is to continue into an RN program and become a forensic nurse. This career combines my passion for healthcare and justice. Through nursing, I want to care for people during some of the darkest moments of their lives. Through my Criminal Justice background, I want to advocate for victims and help them find healing, safety, and justice. I especially want to work with individuals affected by trauma, violence, abuse, and addiction because I understand how deeply pain can shape a person’s life. This scholarship would help me continue my education while supporting my children and easing the financial burden of balancing motherhood and school. But more than financial support, it would mean something far greater. It would mean that someone saw my story, my struggles, my sacrifices, and the purpose behind them and believed in me. Sometimes all it takes is one person believing in you to remind you that your future is still worth fighting for. That belief would strengthen my journey and remind me that I am not walking it alone as I continue turning my pain into purpose, healing, and hope for others.

The impact I want to make begins with helping people during the moments when they feel the most vulnerable, unheard, and afraid. My goal is to use my education not only to build a better future for myself and my children, but to serve my community in a way that creates healing, protection, and hope. This fall, I will be earning my Associate degree in Criminal Justice, and I plan to continue my education in nursing to become a forensic nurse. For me, these two paths are deeply connected. Criminal Justice has taught me the importance of advocacy, accountability, and protecting those who may not have a voice. Nursing will allow me to care for individuals physically and emotionally during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Together, these fields will allow me to support victims of violence, abuse, and trauma by helping them heal while also being part of the process that seeks justice. My passion for this work comes from my own life experiences. I know what it feels like to struggle, to face hardship, and to feel the weight of difficult circumstances. Growing up, I experienced instability that shaped the way I view life and the importance of resilience. Those experiences taught me compassion and showed me how deeply people can be affected by trauma. Instead of allowing my struggles to define me, I chose to turn them into motivation. As a single mother of three children, my education means more than earning a degree. It means breaking cycles of hardship and creating a better future for my family. My children are my greatest inspiration. They push me to keep going through every challenge, every late night studying, and every moment of doubt. I want them to see that hard work, sacrifice, and education can change the direction of a life. I have worked hard to maintain a strong GPA, earn recognition on the Presidential List, and stay involved in organizations such as the Women in Law Enforcement Club and the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. I also volunteer in my community because giving back has always been important to me. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to service and reminded me that real change starts by helping the people around us. The people who inspire me most are those who continue to fight for others, even when life has been difficult for them. That is the kind of person I want to be. I want to be someone who helps victims feel safe, supported, and empowered. I want to advocate for those who have experienced trauma and help create stronger, safer communities. This scholarship would help relieve the financial burden of continuing my education and allow me to stay focused on my goals. But more than that, winning this scholarship would mean something far greater than financial support. It would mean that someone saw my story, my struggles, and my sacrifices and believed in me. It would mean that all the sleepless nights, the hardships, and the moments where I doubted myself were seen and valued. As a single mother, student, and someone working to build a better future, that kind of belief can mean everything. Sometimes all it takes is one person believing in you to remind you that your dreams are still possible. This scholarship would not only help me continue my journey, but it would remind me that I am not walking it alone.

One of the most challenging parts of being both a student and a single parent is carrying the weight of two full time responsibilities while knowing there is no room to fail. Every day, I balance school, work, motherhood, finances, and the emotional responsibilities that come with raising three children on my own. I am not only responsible for my own future, but for theirs as well. Every decision I make carries weight because their lives depend on the choices I make today. Being a single mother has changed my academic journey in ways I never expected. There are days when I feel physically exhausted, emotionally drained, and mentally overwhelmed, but I keep going because my children are watching me. They see every sacrifice, every late night, and every obstacle I push through. I want them to understand that no matter how hard life gets, you do not give up on yourself. One of the hardest parts is balancing my time. My children come first, which means my schoolwork often happens late at night after they are asleep. There have been countless nights where I sat at the table exhausted, trying to finish assignments while worrying about bills, childcare, and how I would make it through the next day. There have been moments when I felt guilty because studying meant less time with my children, but I remind myself that every hour I spend working toward my future is an investment in theirs too. Financial stress has been one of the biggest obstacles in my journey. Raising three children while pursuing higher education means every dollar counts. Tuition, books, transportation, and everyday necessities add up quickly. There have been times when I had to choose between paying for school expenses and making sure my household had what it needed. That pressure can feel overwhelming because as a parent, your children’s needs always come before your own. What keeps me moving forward is knowing what struggle feels like and refusing to let my children grow up believing struggle is all life has to offer. Growing up, I experienced hardship and instability, and those experiences taught me resilience. They also taught me that education is one of the most powerful ways to break generational cycles. I want my children to grow up with opportunities I never had. I want them to know stability, security, and the freedom to dream bigger. Despite every challenge, I have remained committed to my education and personal growth. I have worked hard to maintain a strong GPA, earn recognition on the Presidential List, and stay involved in organizations such as the Women in Law Enforcement Club and the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. I also volunteer in my community because giving back has always been important to me. These accomplishments represent more than academic success. They are proof of my resilience, my growth, and the future I am building for myself and my children. This fall, I will be earning my Associate degree in Criminal Justice, a milestone that means more to me than simply completing a degree. It represents years of sacrifice, discipline, and perseverance while balancing motherhood, work, and school. Earning this degree is proof that despite every challenge I have faced, I have continued moving forward. My long term goal is to continue my education in nursing and become a forensic nurse. This career combines both of my passions: helping people heal and seeking justice for those who have experienced trauma. Through my Criminal Justice education, I have developed a deeper understanding of the justice system and the importance of advocacy. Through nursing, I will be able to provide care, support, and compassion to victims during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I want to be there for individuals who have experienced violence, abuse, or trauma and help them feel safe, heard, and supported. For me, forensic nursing is more than a career. It is a way to turn my life experiences, my compassion, and my education into something meaningful that can protect and empower others. This scholarship would help relieve the financial burden that comes with balancing parenthood and education. More importantly, it would help me continue building a future where my children can look back and know their mother fought for a better life and never gave up. This scholarship is not just an investment in my education. It is an investment in my children’s future, in the generational change I am working so hard to build, and in the belief that even through struggle, something better is possible.

Being a first generation, Mexican American college student means carrying both pride and responsibility. It means being the first in my family to step into spaces that generations before me never had the opportunity to enter. It means creating a path where there was none before and proving not only to myself, but to my family and my children, that our circumstances do not define our future. Growing up in a Mexican American household, I was raised on values of hard work, sacrifice, and family. I watched my family work tirelessly, often putting their own dreams aside just to provide for us. Like many families, survival came before anything else. Education was always important, but it was not something my family had the opportunity to fully pursue. Watching that shaped me deeply. It taught me that if I wanted a different future, I would have to fight for it. Being first generation has not been easy. There was no one to guide me through college applications, financial aid, or understanding how higher education worked. I had to figure it out on my own while carrying responsibilities many students do not have. On top of that, I became a single mother raising three children while balancing school, work, and life. There have been moments of exhaustion, financial stress, and self doubt where giving up felt easier than continuing. But every time I wanted to quit, I looked at my children. They are the reason I keep going. They are the reason I stay up late studying after they fall asleep and wake up early to keep pushing toward my goals. I want them to see that no matter where you come from or how hard life gets, you can still rise above it. I want to break the cycles of struggle my family has faced and create a life where my children have opportunities I never had. Despite the challenges I have faced, I have remained committed to my education and personal growth. Today, I have worked hard to maintain a strong GPA, earn recognition on the Presidential List, and stay involved in organizations like the Women in Law Enforcement Club and the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. These accomplishments represent more than academic success to me. They are proof of my resilience, my growth, and the future I am building for myself and my children. What makes me passionate about this journey is knowing that I am breaking barriers not only for myself, but for my family and my community. As a Mexican American woman, representation matters. I know what it feels like to struggle, to feel unseen, and to carry responsibilities that others may not understand. That is why I am passionate about pursuing a career where I can serve and protect others. My goal is to continue my education and build a career where I can make a difference in people’s lives. I want to be someone my children can look up to and someone my community can depend on. I want my story to show other young Mexican American students that being first generation does not mean you are behind. It means you are the beginning of something greater. Being a first generation, Mexican American student is not just part of my identity. It is my purpose. It is proof that struggle can become strength, sacrifice can become opportunity, and one person’s determination can change generations to come.

Being a first generation college student means being the first person in my family to step into a world that no one before me could guide me through. It means learning everything on my own, making mistakes, and finding my way without a roadmap. It is both an honor and a heavy responsibility because I know I am not only building my future, but changing the future of my children and my family. Growing up, life was never easy. My family struggled financially, and there were many times when we had very little. I watched the people around me work hard just to survive, and for a long time, survival felt more realistic than success. Because of that, college did not feel like something made for people like me. It felt distant, almost impossible. On top of that, I became a mother at a young age. Raising three children while pursuing an education has been one of the hardest challenges of my life. There have been nights where I stayed awake studying after my children fell asleep, only to wake up exhausted and do it all over again. There have been moments when I questioned if I could keep going, when the stress of finances, parenting, and school felt heavier than I could carry. But every time I felt like giving up, I looked at my children and reminded myself why I started. My children are my greatest motivation. They are the reason I refuse to settle. I want them to grow up seeing that no matter where you come from or how hard life gets, you can still fight for something better. I want to break the cycles of struggle my family has faced and create a life where my children have opportunities I never had. Being first generation has taught me resilience, sacrifice, and determination. It has forced me to be strong even when I felt weak. It has taught me that success is not about where you start, but about how hard you are willing to fight for where you want to go. My dream is to become a Registered Nurse. I want to work in healthcare because I know what it feels like to struggle, to feel vulnerable, and to need support. I want to be the person who provides comfort, care, and hope to others during the hardest moments of their lives. This scholarship would help relieve some of the financial burden that comes with pursuing my education while supporting my family. More importantly, it would bring me closer to my goal of building a better future for my children and becoming proof that generational barriers can be broken. Being first generation means being the beginning of a new story. It means turning struggle into strength, pain into purpose, and showing my children that impossible is only impossible until someone does it first.

Being a single parent while pursuing higher education has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. As the sole provider and caregiver for my three children, I am responsible for meeting their emotional, physical, and financial needs while also working toward my educational goals. There are many days when balancing school, work, and parenting feels overwhelming, but my children are the reason I continue pushing forward. One of the biggest challenges has been finding time. My schedule revolves around my children, which often means studying late at night after they are asleep or completing assignments during the limited free time I have throughout the day. Financial stress has also been a significant obstacle. Supporting a family while attending college requires constant sacrifices and careful planning. Despite these challenges, becoming a parent has strengthened my determination to succeed. I want to provide my children with stability, security, and opportunities that will help them build successful futures of their own. I am currently working toward becoming a Registered Nurse. I chose nursing because I want a career that allows me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives during some of their most vulnerable moments. Healthcare professionals provide comfort, advocacy, and care to individuals and families facing difficult circumstances, and I hope to be that source of support for others. My goal is not only to earn a nursing degree, but also to show my children the value of hard work, perseverance, and education. I want them to see that challenges do not have to prevent someone from achieving their dreams. By becoming a nurse, I hope to create a better future for my family while making a positive impact on the lives of those I serve.

The loss of my sister is something that has changed my life forever. She was not only my sister, but also my best friend. She was the person I laughed with, talked to, and shared my life with. Growing up, she was always there for me, and I never imagined a world where she would not be. Everything changed when she was killed by a drunk driver. There are moments in life that divide your story into a “before” and an “after.” Losing my sister was that moment for me. One day she was here, and the next she was gone. No amount of preparation can prepare someone for that kind of loss. The shock, heartbreak, and pain were overwhelming. It felt impossible to understand how someone so important to me could be taken away so suddenly. For a long time, I struggled with grief. I found myself thinking about all the memories we shared and all the memories we would never get the chance to create. I thought about the conversations we would never have, the milestones she would never witness, and the role she would never get to have in my children’s lives. Losing a sibling means losing a piece of your past, your present, and the future you imagined together. The loss also changed the way I view life. It taught me that life is fragile and that tomorrow is never guaranteed. As painful as that lesson has been, it has also motivated me to live with greater purpose and gratitude. I have learned not to take the people I love for granted and to cherish every moment I have with my family. When I became a mother, my sister’s absence became even more noticeable. There have been countless moments when I wished I could call her, ask for advice, share stories, or simply hear her voice again. I wish my children had the opportunity to know the incredible person she was. Although she is no longer here physically, I do my best to keep her memory alive by sharing stories about her and remembering the impact she had on my life. Her death also strengthened my determination to build a meaningful future. As a college student pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice, I am committed to making a positive impact in my community. My experiences with loss have given me a deeper sense of compassion for others who are struggling. They have taught me that we never truly know what someone is carrying, and that kindness can make a difference in ways we may never fully understand. The grief of losing my sister will never completely disappear. There are still days when I miss her deeply and wish she were here. However, I have learned that moving forward does not mean leaving someone behind. It means carrying their memory with you and allowing their life to continue influencing the person you become. My sister’s life mattered. Her love, kindness, and presence helped shape who I am today. While I would give anything to have her back, I am grateful for the time we shared and the lessons her memory continues to teach me. The loss of my sister has been one of the most painful experiences of my life, but it has also inspired me to live with purpose, cherish my loved ones, and strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Although she is gone, she will always be a part of me, and I will carry her memory with me wherever life takes me.

A second chance means having someone believe that your mistakes do not have to define the rest of your life. It means being given an opportunity to learn, grow, and become the person you were always capable of being. For me, a second chance changed everything. Without it, I do not know where I would be today. When I was in middle school, I was constantly getting into trouble. I skipped school, got into fights, and stole from classmates and teachers. Looking back, I understand that a lot of my behavior came from growing up with very little. I saw other kids with things I wanted but could not afford, and instead of understanding that those things could be earned through hard work, I tried to take shortcuts. I was immature, angry, and making decisions without thinking about how they would affect my future. Everything changed the day I stole a phone from one of my teachers. The police became involved, and I entered the juvenile justice system. I remember feeling embarrassed and ashamed when probation officers started coming to my mother’s house. At first, I felt like everyone saw me as a problem. I thought my mistakes would follow me forever. But those probation visits ended up becoming one of the biggest turning points in my life. The officers who spoke with me did not just focus on what I had done wrong. They talked to me about my future and the consequences of the path I was on. For the first time, I realized that if I continued making the same choices, I could lose opportunities that I had not even dreamed about yet. They helped me understand that I was responsible for my future and that I still had the power to change it. Slowly, I began making different choices. I stopped blaming others for my actions and started taking accountability. I focused more on school and less on fitting in. I learned that the things I wanted in life could be achieved through hard work, education, and perseverance rather than poor decisions. Today, my life looks completely different. I am now a college student pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice. I maintain a strong GPA while raising three children as a single mother. I work hard every day to provide for my family while continuing my education. The person I am today is someone my younger self would not even recognize. My children have been one of the greatest reasons for my transformation. Becoming a mother changed the way I see life. They gave me a purpose bigger than myself and motivated me to become the best version of who I could be. Every class I take, every late night studying, and every obstacle I overcome is for them. I want my children to grow up knowing that mistakes do not have to define a person’s future and that hard work can change the course of a life. The juvenile justice system taught me lessons that I still carry with me today: accountability, responsibility, and resilience. Most importantly, it taught me that people deserve the opportunity to grow from their mistakes. That lesson is one of the reasons I chose to pursue a career in Administration of Justice. My goal is to earn my degree, transfer to a university, and build a career where I can serve my community and help others. This scholarship would help me pay for tuition, books, and educational expenses so I can continue pursuing my goals while supporting my children. More importantly, it would help me continue building the future I have worked so hard to create. One day, I hope to work with young people who are struggling the way I once struggled. I want them to know that one bad decision does not determine the rest of their lives. I want to be living proof that change is possible. A second chance gave me the opportunity to rewrite my story. Today, I am not defined by the mistakes I made as a child. I am defined by the woman, mother, and student I chose to become. My goal is to spend the rest of my life helping others believe in their own second chance, just as someone once believed in mine.

For much of my life, I have learned that some of the most important people in the world are those who show up when others are struggling. Whether it is a teacher who believes in a student, a volunteer who gives their time, or a community member who helps a family through a difficult season, these acts of compassion can change lives. I know this because I have experienced both hardship and kindness firsthand, and those experiences have shaped the person I am becoming. As a single mother raising three children while pursuing my education, there have been many moments when the future felt uncertain. Balancing school, work, parenting, and financial responsibilities is not easy. There have been nights when I stayed up late completing assignments after my children were asleep and mornings when I questioned whether I was strong enough to keep going. Through every challenge, one thing remained constant: my determination to create a better future for my children and to use my experiences to help others. My goal is to make a positive impact on the world through a career dedicated to service. I am pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice because I want to protect people, advocate for those who feel powerless, and help create safer communities. I believe that every person deserves to feel safe, valued, and heard. Too often, people face difficult situations without support or guidance. I want to be the person who helps them through those moments and reminds them that they matter. My passion for helping others extends beyond my future career. Through volunteer work and community involvement, I have learned that meaningful change does not always come from grand gestures. Sometimes it comes from simply listening, showing compassion, and being willing to help when someone needs it most. Those small acts can have a lasting impact on a person’s life. The greatest motivation behind everything I do is my children. Every class I take, every obstacle I overcome, and every goal I pursue is driven by my desire to give them opportunities that I did not always have. I want them to grow up knowing that circumstances do not define their future. I want them to see that resilience, hard work, and compassion can transform lives. My dream is not only to build a successful career, but to leave a positive mark on the people and communities I serve. I hope to be someone who protects the vulnerable, supports families in crisis, and inspires others to believe in their own potential. If I can help even one person feel safer, stronger, or more hopeful about their future, then I will know I have made a difference. The world does not change because of one person alone. It changes when ordinary people choose to care about others and take action. Through my education, my service, and my future career, I plan to be one of those people. I want my life to be defined not by what I achieve for myself, but by how many lives I help improve along the way.

Faith has been the foundation that has carried me through some of the most difficult moments of my life. As a single mother raising three children while pursuing my education, there have been many times when I felt overwhelmed by responsibility, financial stress, and uncertainty about the future. In those moments, my faith reminded me that I was not alone and that my struggles had purpose. It gave me the strength to keep moving forward when giving up would have been easier. Every day, I try to live out my faith through service, compassion, and respect for others. I believe that every person is created with value and purpose. This belief shapes the way I raise my children, how I treat those around me, and why I support the pro-life movement. To me, being pro-life means recognizing the dignity of every human life and supporting people through difficult circumstances with love, understanding, and practical help. My experiences as a mother have deeply influenced my perspective. Becoming a parent changed my life forever. It taught me that life is precious and that even when challenges seem impossible, there is beauty, purpose, and hope in every human life. There were times when I questioned whether I was strong enough to balance parenthood, work, and college, but looking at my children reminds me every day why I continue fighting for a better future. They are my greatest blessing and my greatest motivation. My faith has also shaped my future goals. I am pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice because I feel called to serve and protect others. Growing up, I witnessed hardships that affected my family and those around me. Those experiences inspired me to pursue a career where I can help people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I want to be someone who brings hope, protection, and support to individuals and families who feel vulnerable or forgotten. My education is not just about earning a degree. It is about creating opportunities for my children and becoming a person who can make a meaningful difference in my community. Through a career in law enforcement, I hope to advocate for victims, support families in crisis, and help create safer communities where people can thrive. I believe protecting life extends beyond birth. It means valuing and defending human dignity at every stage of life, from the unborn to the elderly, and ensuring that people are treated with compassion and respect. One of the greatest lessons my faith has taught me is that our struggles can become our purpose. The challenges I have faced as a single mother, student, and provider have strengthened my determination to serve others. They have shown me the importance of resilience, sacrifice, and hope. I want my children to grow up knowing that faith, perseverance, and hard work can overcome even the most difficult obstacles. When I look toward the future, I do not just see a career. I see an opportunity to honor the values that have guided my life. I see a chance to protect those who cannot protect themselves, support those who are struggling, and help build a world where every life is valued. My faith has shaped my journey, strengthened my purpose, and inspired my commitment to serving others. Through my education and future career, I hope to turn that faith into action and create lasting change for the people and communities I serve.

I chose to pursue healthcare because of the experiences that shaped my life and taught me the importance of compassion, patience, and support during difficult moments. Growing up in a low income household, I witnessed addiction, instability, and medical struggles within my family. Those experiences showed me how deeply healthcare workers can impact not only patients, but entire families. I realized early on that I wanted to build a career where I could help people feel safe, cared for, and understood during some of the hardest moments of their lives. One of the biggest reasons I chose nursing was because of my experience caring for my father after he suffered a severe stroke. Watching someone you love lose their independence changes you emotionally and mentally. I stepped into a caregiver role while balancing school, work, and family responsibilities. Although it was exhausting and emotionally difficult at times, it taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of quality healthcare. I saw firsthand how nurses and caregivers can bring comfort, hope, and dignity to patients and their families during recovery. My current job working full time in a care home has also strengthened my passion for healthcare. As a Direct Support Professional, I help care for individuals who require daily assistance and supervision. Through this work, I have learned how important patience, communication, and emotional support are in patient care. I have developed strong compassion for vulnerable individuals and understand how meaningful it is when patients feel respected and genuinely cared for. In the future, I want to use my nursing degree to work with patients who are recovering from serious illnesses, disabilities, mental health challenges, or medical emergencies. I want to become the type of nurse who not only provides medical care, but also advocates for patients and supports families during difficult situations. My goal is to create an environment where people feel heard, valued, and safe regardless of their background or circumstances. Long term, I hope to continue advancing my education and eventually take on leadership roles within healthcare where I can help improve patient care and access to resources for underserved communities. Because I grew up understanding financial hardship and instability, I want to give back by helping individuals and families who may not always have access to proper support or healthcare guidance. Every challenge I have experienced has strengthened my desire to pursue this career path. Nursing is more than just a profession to me. It is an opportunity to turn difficult experiences into something meaningful by helping others heal, recover, and feel less alone.

Growing up, I learned early how important healthcare workers are during the hardest moments of a person’s life. My family faced financial struggles, instability, addiction, and medical challenges that affected all of us emotionally and physically. During those moments, I saw how much compassion, patience, and proper care could impact not only a patient, but an entire family. Those experiences inspired me to pursue a career in the medical field because I want to become someone who helps people feel safe, supported, and cared for when they are at their most vulnerable. One of the biggest influences on my decision was helping care for my father after he suffered a severe stroke. Watching someone you love suddenly lose independence changes your perspective on life very quickly. I stepped into a caregiver role while balancing school, work, and family responsibilities. There were days filled with exhaustion, fear, and uncertainty, but those experiences taught me resilience, patience, and compassion. More importantly, they showed me how critical nurses and healthcare professionals are in helping patients recover physically and emotionally. In addition to caring for my father, I currently work full time in a care home as a Direct Support Professional. Through this job, I assist individuals who require daily support and supervision. Working closely with vulnerable individuals has strengthened my passion for healthcare and taught me how important empathy, communication, and emotional support are in patient care. I have learned that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness, such as listening to someone, comforting them, or simply being patient, can make a major difference in their day. My personal experiences have also shaped the type of healthcare professional I hope to become. Growing up in a low income household and experiencing instability helped me understand how difficult it can be for families to access support and resources. Because of this, I want to become a nurse who advocates for patients and treats every individual with dignity and compassion regardless of their background, financial situation, or struggles. I plan to make a difference through my career by providing compassionate, patient centered care while also educating and supporting families during difficult situations. I want patients to feel heard, respected, and cared for, especially during moments when they may feel overwhelmed or afraid. Long term, I hope to work with patients recovering from serious illnesses, disabilities, or mental health challenges because I understand how deeply those situations affect both patients and their loved ones. Outside of work and school, I also volunteer in my community helping individuals experiencing hardship, homelessness, and food insecurity. Giving back has become important to me because I know what it feels like to struggle and need support. My goal is not only to help patients medically, but also to bring comfort, understanding, and hope into their lives. Although my journey has not been easy, every challenge I have faced has strengthened my determination to succeed in healthcare. I want to turn my experiences into something meaningful by helping others heal, recover, and feel less alone during difficult moments in their lives.

Substance abuse has deeply influenced my life, my relationships, and the person I have become. Growing up, I witnessed addiction within my family and saw firsthand how it can impact not only the individual struggling, but also the people who love them. There were many moments filled with instability, emotional pain, financial hardship, and uncertainty. As a child, I often felt confused and helpless watching someone I cared about battle addiction while our family struggled to hold everything together. Those experiences changed the way I view people who struggle with substance abuse. Instead of seeing addiction as simply bad choices, I learned to see the pain, trauma, mental health struggles, and hopelessness that often exist underneath it. I understand that many individuals battling addiction are carrying deep emotional wounds and need support, compassion, and guidance rather than judgment alone. Witnessing addiction in my family taught me empathy and helped me realize how important it is for people to have access to support systems and compassionate healthcare professionals. Substance abuse also affected my relationships and responsibilities growing up. There were times when I had to mature quickly and become emotionally strong for those around me. I learned how to remain patient during difficult situations and how to continue moving forward even during periods of instability. Although those experiences were painful, they taught me resilience and strengthened my desire to create a different future for myself and my children. My experiences with addiction within my family strongly influenced my career aspirations and my decision to pursue nursing. I want to work in healthcare because I know how meaningful compassionate care and emotional support can be for individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. I currently work full time as a Direct Support Professional in a care home where I support vulnerable individuals with different needs and behaviors. Through this role, I have seen how important patience, understanding, and advocacy are when caring for people who may feel misunderstood or unsupported. In addition to working full time, I am pursuing higher education while raising my children. Balancing work, school, and parenting has not been easy, but my experiences have motivated me to continue pushing forward. I currently maintain a 3.5 GPA and volunteer at a local rescue mission where I help individuals experiencing homelessness, hardship, and addiction. Being able to give back to people facing struggles similar to those I witnessed growing up has become deeply meaningful to me. My long term goal is to become a Registered Nurse who provides compassionate care and support to patients and families facing addiction, mental health struggles, and other difficult life challenges. I want people to feel seen, respected, and cared for during moments when they may feel hopeless or alone. Although addiction brought many painful experiences into my life, it also gave me a deeper understanding of empathy, resilience, and the importance of helping others heal.

My decision to continue pursuing a nursing degree comes from both my personal experiences and the work I do every day. Growing up, I witnessed addiction, mental health struggles, and financial hardship within my family. Those experiences showed me how important compassionate healthcare professionals can be during difficult moments in a person’s life. Later, when my father suffered a severe stroke, I stepped into a caregiving role to help support him and my family. Watching someone I loved lose independence and struggle with daily activities deeply impacted me and strengthened my desire to pursue a career focused on helping others heal physically and emotionally. I currently work full time as a Direct Support Professional in a care home where I support individuals with different needs and behaviors. Through this role, I have learned patience, empathy, communication, and how important emotional support can be for vulnerable individuals. Working closely with patients and families has shown me that healthcare is not only about treating illnesses, but also about making people feel respected, safe, and cared for during challenging times. These experiences inspired me to continue my education and pursue a nursing degree so I can expand my knowledge, clinical skills, and ability to advocate for patients. I want to become a Registered Nurse who provides compassionate and patient centered care while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. My goal is to work in a nursing specialty focused on long term care, rehabilitation, or chronic illness support. I want to help patients who may feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or emotionally exhausted while navigating ongoing medical challenges. I understand how difficult it can be for both patients and families to adjust to life changing health conditions, and I want to be a source of encouragement, comfort, and stability during those moments. In addition to working full time, I am balancing school while raising my children. Although the journey has not been easy, these challenges have strengthened my resilience, discipline, and determination to succeed. I currently maintain a 3.5 GPA and continue giving back to my community through volunteer work and leadership opportunities. As a first generation college student, earning my nursing degree represents more than personal achievement. It represents breaking cycles, creating a better future for my children, and proving that difficult circumstances do not define someone’s future. My long term goal is to become a nurse who not only provides quality healthcare, but also helps patients feel heard, supported, and valued during some of the hardest moments of their lives.

Having a family member with disabilities changed my life and shaped the person I am today. When my father suffered a severe stroke, everything in our lives changed overnight. Watching someone you love lose independence and struggle with basic daily activities is heartbreaking, especially when you feel helpless seeing their pain. During that time, I stepped into a caregiving role to help support him and my family. I had to put school and work aside for a period of time so I could be there for him full time. Helping care for my father taught me patience, resilience, and compassion in ways I never expected. I learned how physically and emotionally exhausting caregiving can be, not only for the individual experiencing the disability, but also for the entire family. There were difficult days filled with uncertainty, stress, and emotional pain, but there were also moments that reminded me how important support, encouragement, and dignity are during recovery. I realized how much small acts of care and compassion can impact someone who feels vulnerable or discouraged. That experience deeply influenced my decision to pursue nursing. Being involved in my father’s care allowed me to see firsthand how important nurses and healthcare professionals are for both patients and their families. The nurses who treated my father did more than provide medical care. They offered reassurance, patience, guidance, and emotional support during one of the hardest periods of our lives. Their compassion left a lasting impact on me and inspired me to pursue a career where I could provide that same level of care to others. Today, I work full time as a Direct Support Professional in a care home where I support individuals with different needs and behaviors. My experiences caring for my father prepared me for this role and strengthened my ability to remain patient, calm, and understanding during difficult situations. Working closely with vulnerable individuals continues to reinforce my passion for healthcare and my desire to become a nurse. Although stepping away from school delayed my educational journey, I never gave up on my goals. Now, I am working hard to regain the time I lost while balancing full time work, school, and raising my children. As a first generation college student, continuing my education represents perseverance, healing, and creating a better future for my family. My long term goal is to become a Registered Nurse who provides compassionate care, advocacy, and emotional support to patients and families facing difficult medical challenges. My father’s stroke changed my life, but it also gave me purpose. It taught me the importance of empathy, sacrifice, and being present for others during vulnerable moments. Those lessons continue to guide me every day and are the foundation of why I chose nursing.

Growing up in a low income household, I saw how difficult it can be for families to prioritize healthy eating when they are struggling financially. There were times when my family relied on food banks and community programs just to get through difficult periods. Because of those experiences, I understand that nutrition is connected to much more than food alone. Financial hardship, stress, mental health struggles, and lack of education can all impact a person’s overall health and eating habits. Those experiences are one of the reasons I decided to pursue nursing. My nursing career will help improve people’s nutrition and overall health by allowing me to educate, support, and advocate for patients in ways that can improve their quality of life. I currently work as a Direct Support Professional in a care home where I assist individuals with different needs and daily challenges. Through this role, I have seen how important nutrition, hydration, and healthy routines are for both physical and emotional well being. I have also learned that many people need encouragement, patience, and education when it comes to making healthier choices. As a future nurse, I want to help patients understand how nutrition affects chronic illnesses, mental health, heart health, diabetes, and overall wellness. Many people are never taught healthy habits or may feel overwhelmed trying to make lifestyle changes. I want to approach patients with empathy and understanding rather than judgment because I know firsthand that life circumstances can make healthy living difficult. One of the most important steps I plan to take is educating patients in realistic and supportive ways. Instead of expecting perfection, I want to encourage small and sustainable changes such as drinking more water, eating balanced meals, reducing processed foods, and learning healthier cooking habits. I also want to help patients understand how proper nutrition can improve energy levels, healing, emotional health, and long term wellness. In addition to patient education, I plan to continue volunteering and giving back to underserved communities. I currently volunteer at a local rescue mission where I help prepare meals and support individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and hardship. These experiences showed me how important community support and access to resources are for improving overall health. As a nurse, I hope to continue advocating for individuals and families who may not have access to proper healthcare, nutrition education, or support systems. Balancing full time work, school, and raising my children has taught me resilience, discipline, and compassion. As a first generation college student, my education represents breaking cycles and creating a healthier future for my family and community. My goal as a nurse is not only to care for patients during illness, but also to help educate and empower them to live healthier lives physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Growing up, I witnessed how addiction, mental health struggles, and financial instability can deeply affect individuals and families. My mother struggled with addiction for many years, and there were times when my family relied on food banks and programs like Toys for Tots to get through difficult periods. Watching people I loved struggle while feeling powerless to help them shaped my perspective on compassion and the importance of support systems. Those experiences taught me how deeply physical and emotional hardships can impact a person’s life and inspired my desire to pursue a career where I can help people during vulnerable moments. My decision to pursue nursing also comes from the work I do today. I currently work full time as a Direct Support Professional in a care home where I support individuals with different needs and behaviors. Through this role, I have learned patience, communication, empathy, and how important emotional support can be for people facing physical and mental challenges. There have been difficult nights where individuals simply needed someone willing to stay calm, patient, and understanding during overwhelming moments. Working closely with vulnerable individuals strengthened my passion for healthcare and showed me how meaningful compassionate care can truly be. What inspires me most about nursing is the ability nurses have to comfort, advocate for, and support people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. I understand what it feels like to need support, stability, and encouragement during difficult times. Because of that, I want to become the kind of nurse who treats every patient with dignity, empathy, patience, and understanding regardless of their background or circumstances. I want patients to feel heard and cared for during moments when they may feel scared, overwhelmed, or alone. My planned specialty is working with patients experiencing chronic illnesses and long term health challenges. I want to work with individuals who may feel discouraged, exhausted, or emotionally overwhelmed because I understand how deeply ongoing health conditions can affect not only patients, but also their families. I am especially interested in supporting patients who require rehabilitation, long term care, or ongoing medical treatment because I believe compassion, consistency, and emotional support can make a meaningful difference in a person’s recovery and quality of life. I also hope to continue learning more about specialized care, including stoma and ostomy related care, throughout nursing school and future clinical training. I understand that patients requiring ostomy care often face physical and emotional challenges that can affect their confidence, comfort, and everyday life. I want to become a nurse who helps patients feel respected, informed, and supported throughout that process while helping them maintain dignity and independence. In addition to working full time, I am pursuing higher education while raising my children. Balancing work, school, and parenting has taught me resilience, discipline, and perseverance. There are many days where I feel physically and emotionally exhausted trying to manage everything at once, but my children continue to motivate me to keep pushing forward. I currently maintain a 3.5 GPA and participate in leadership and community service opportunities, including the Women in Law Enforcement Club and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. I also volunteer at a local rescue mission where I help prepare meals, support church services, and spend time with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and hardship. As a first generation college student, earning my education represents more than personal success. It represents breaking cycles, creating stability for my children, and proving that difficult circumstances do not determine someone’s future. My long term goal is to become a Registered Nurse who provides compassionate care, advocacy, and emotional support to patients and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Growing up, I learned at a young age how deeply addiction, instability, and financial hardship can affect a family. My mother struggled with addiction for many years, and there were times when my family relied on food banks and programs like Toys for Tots just to make it through the holidays. I remember feeling confused, overwhelmed, and uncertain about why life felt so difficult compared to the people around me. There were moments when I felt powerless watching the people I loved struggle while also trying to protect my own emotional well being. Those experiences shaped who I am today and inspired my desire to pursue a career where I can help people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. My decision to pursue nursing comes from both my personal experiences and the work I do every day. I currently work full time as a Direct Support Professional in a care home where I support individuals with different needs and behaviors. Working closely with vulnerable individuals has taught me patience, empathy, communication, and how important emotional support can be for someone who feels scared, frustrated, or misunderstood. There have been difficult nights where individuals needed reassurance, comfort, and someone willing to stay patient with them even during challenging moments. Those experiences strengthened my passion for healthcare and showed me how meaningful compassionate care can truly be. What inspires me most about nursing is the ability nurses have to comfort, advocate for, and support people during vulnerable moments in their lives. Growing up around addiction, mental health struggles, and instability showed me how important caring healthcare professionals can be not only for patients, but for entire families. I understand what it feels like to need support, guidance, and compassion during difficult times. Because of that, I want to become the kind of nurse who treats every patient with dignity, empathy, patience, and understanding regardless of their circumstances or background. In addition to working full time, I am pursuing higher education while raising my children. Balancing work, school, and parenting has required discipline, resilience, and sacrifice. There are many nights where I feel physically and emotionally exhausted trying to manage everything at once, but my children continue to be my greatest motivation. I want them to grow up seeing that even when life is difficult, you can still fight for your goals and create a better future for yourself. I currently maintain a 3.5 GPA and participate in leadership and community service opportunities, including the Women in Law Enforcement Club and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. I also volunteer at a local rescue mission where I help prepare meals, support church services, and spend time with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and hardship. Volunteering has reminded me that small acts of kindness and support can have a lasting impact on someone’s life. As a first generation college student, earning my education represents more than personal success. It represents breaking cycles, creating stability for my children, and proving that difficult circumstances do not determine someone’s future. My long term goal is to become a Registered Nurse and continue making a positive impact through healthcare, advocacy, and compassionate care. Receiving this scholarship would help reduce financial stress and allow me to continue pursuing my education while supporting my family and working toward a future dedicated to helping others.

Growing up, I witnessed how addiction, instability, and financial hardship can deeply affect families and individuals. My mother struggled with addiction for many years, and there were times when my family relied on food banks and programs like Toys for Tots to get through difficult periods. Those experiences shaped my perspective on compassion, resilience, and the importance of support systems. They also inspired my desire to pursue a career where I can help people during vulnerable moments in their lives. My decision to pursue nursing comes from both my personal experiences and the work I do today. I currently work full time as a Direct Support Professional in a care home where I support individuals with different needs and behaviors. Through this role, I have learned patience, communication, and the importance of emotional support for people facing challenges. Working closely with vulnerable individuals strengthened my passion for healthcare and showed me how meaningful compassionate care can be. What inspires me most about nursing is the ability nurses have to comfort, advocate for, and support people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Growing up around addiction, mental health struggles, and instability showed me how important caring healthcare professionals can be not only for patients, but for entire families. I want to become the kind of nurse who treats people with dignity, empathy, and understanding regardless of their circumstances. I want to help patients feel heard, supported, and cared for during moments when they may feel scared or overwhelmed. In addition to working full time, I am pursuing higher education while raising my children. Balancing work, school, and parenting has taught me discipline, responsibility, and perseverance. I currently maintain a 3.5 GPA and participate in leadership and community service opportunities, including the Women in Law Enforcement Club and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. I also volunteer at a local rescue mission where I help prepare meals, support church services, and spend time with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and hardship. These experiences continue to strengthen my desire to build a career focused on helping others. As a first generation college student, earning my education represents breaking cycles and creating a better future for my children. My long term goal is to become a Registered Nurse and continue making a positive impact through healthcare, advocacy, and community service. Receiving this scholarship would help reduce financial stress and allow me to continue pursuing my education while supporting my family. I found this scholarship through Bold.org.

Growing up, I witnessed how addiction, instability, and financial hardship can deeply affect families and individuals. My mother struggled with addiction for many years, and there were times when my family relied on food banks and programs like Toys for Tots to get through difficult periods. Experiencing those challenges at a young age shaped my perspective on compassion, resilience, and the importance of support systems. It also inspired my desire to pursue a career where I can help people during vulnerable moments in their lives. My interest in nursing comes from wanting to make a direct and meaningful impact on others. Nurses are often the people who provide comfort, reassurance, and advocacy during some of the hardest moments a person may experience. I want to become the kind of nurse who not only provides quality care, but also treats patients with empathy, patience, and dignity. Growing up around addiction, mental health struggles, and instability showed me how important compassionate healthcare professionals can be for both patients and families. I currently work full time as a Direct Support Professional in a care home where I support individuals with different needs and behaviors. This job has strengthened my patience, communication skills, and ability to remain calm during stressful situations. Working closely with vulnerable individuals taught me the importance of emotional support, compassion, and treating people with dignity regardless of their circumstances. My experience in this role continues to strengthen my passion for healthcare and my goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. In addition to working full time, I am pursuing higher education while raising my children. I currently maintain a 3.5 GPA and participate in leadership and community service opportunities, including the Women in Law Enforcement Club and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. I also volunteer at a local rescue mission where I help prepare meals, support church services, and spend time with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and hardship. These experiences taught me the importance of service, advocacy, and helping people who may feel overlooked or unsupported. As a first generation college student, earning my education represents more than personal success. It represents breaking cycles, creating stability for my children, and proving that difficult circumstances do not determine someone’s future. My long term goal is to become a Registered Nurse and continue building a career centered around service, advocacy, and community impact. Receiving this scholarship would help reduce financial stress and allow me to continue pursuing my education while supporting my family. More importantly, it would help me continue working toward a future where I can provide the same compassion, support, and encouragement that I once needed growing up.

I decided to pursue a career in law enforcement because of the life experiences that shaped who I am today. I was raised in a low income household where addiction, instability, and financial hardship were a constant part of my childhood. My mother struggled with drugs and alcohol for many years, and there were times when my family relied on food banks, community programs, and the kindness of others just to get by. Growing up in those conditions taught me what it feels like to struggle, to feel uncertain about the future, and to need support during difficult moments. Instead of allowing those experiences to define me negatively, they became the reason I wanted to build a better future for myself, my children, and the people around me. I learned early on how important compassion, guidance, and stability can be in someone’s life. Watching people around me battle addiction and hardship showed me how easily individuals can fall through the cracks when they do not have someone advocating for them. Those experiences inspired me to pursue a degree in Administration of Justice and work toward a career where I can make a meaningful difference in my community. As a first generation college student and full time working mother, my journey has not been easy. I returned to school through Hanford Adult School after stepping away during high school because my home environment became emotionally overwhelming. Completing my diploma and continuing my education was one of the proudest moments of my life because it represented perseverance and refusing to give up on myself. Today, I am continuing my education at College of the Sequoias while balancing work, school, parenting, and financial responsibilities. There have been many exhausting moments where I questioned whether I could continue, but my children motivate me every single day to keep pushing forward. My experiences have also taught me the importance of giving back. I volunteer at a local rescue mission where I help prepare meals, support church services, and spend time with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and hardship. Being able to help people facing struggles similar to those I witnessed growing up has been incredibly meaningful to me. It reminds me that even small acts of kindness and support can completely change someone’s life. Rather than becoming bitter because of my past, I chose to turn my experiences into empathy, resilience, and a desire to help others feel seen, respected, and supported. I also became involved in Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society, earned recognition on the President’s Honor List and Dean’s List, and began developing a Women in Law Enforcement Club at my college to encourage students interested in careers in public service. These accomplishments reminded me that despite every obstacle I faced, I was still capable of succeeding academically and becoming a positive example for my children and others in my community. My long term goal is to serve in law enforcement where I can build trust within the community and advocate for individuals who feel unheard or overlooked. I want to be the kind of person I once needed growing up, someone who provides support, understanding, and hope during difficult moments. More than anything, my journey has taught me that difficult circumstances do not determine someone’s future. Through education, perseverance, and service to others, I hope to create positive change in my community and show my children that it is possible to overcome hardship and build a better life.

Growing up in California’s Central Valley, I experienced instability from a young age due to addiction, financial hardship, and difficult family circumstances. Watching family members struggle showed me how easily people can fall through the cracks when they lack support, guidance, and opportunity. Those experiences shaped the reason I chose to pursue higher education in Administration of Justice and public service. I want to become someone who helps protect and support vulnerable individuals and families who may be experiencing the same struggles I witnessed growing up. For a period of time during high school, life became overwhelming and I stopped attending school because I felt lost and uncertain about my future. However, I eventually returned to school through Hanford Adult School and completed the coursework necessary to earn my diploma while beginning college classes. That experience taught me perseverance and showed me that setbacks do not have to define someone’s future. Today, I am close to earning my Associate degree in Administration of Justice while working full time as a Direct Support Professional and raising my three young children on my own. Balancing work, parenting, and school has required discipline, sacrifice, and determination, but it has also strengthened my motivation to continue pursuing my goals. I want my children to grow up seeing that education can create opportunities and stability even after difficult circumstances. Community service has also played an important role in my life. I volunteer at a local rescue mission where I help serve meals and support individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and recovery. Those experiences deepened my compassion and reinforced my desire to work in a career focused on helping others. I also joined Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society and helped start a Women in Law Enforcement Club at my college to encourage students interested in careers in public service. This scholarship would help me continue pursuing my educational and career goals while reducing the financial stress of balancing school and supporting my children. I currently live in a two bedroom apartment with my three children, and one of my biggest goals is to eventually purchase a home where each of my children can have their own room and stable environment to grow up in. Growing up, my family relied on Section 8 housing at times and relocated often, so stability was something I rarely experienced. That motivates me to create a different future for my children. I chose this field because I want to make a difference in my community and become the kind of person I once needed growing up. My experiences taught me resilience, compassion, and determination. Through education and public service, I hope to help others while building a stable future for my children and breaking cycles that have impacted my family for generations.

Growing up in a low income household in California’s Central Valley, I experienced instability from a young age due to addiction, conflict, and difficult family circumstances. My mother struggled with drugs and alcohol for many years, and my home environment often felt emotionally overwhelming and unpredictable. During my senior year of high school, the situation became too difficult to manage, and I stopped attending school while trying to protect my mental and emotional well being. At that point in my life, I felt lost and uncertain about my future. For a long time, higher education felt impossible. Watching addiction affect my family showed me how easily people can fall through the cracks when they lack support and stability. However, even during my lowest moments, I knew I wanted something different for myself and for my future children. Instead of allowing my circumstances to define me, I slowly rebuilt my life one step at a time. I returned to school through Hanford Adult School and completed the coursework necessary to earn my high school diploma while beginning college classes. Although I never had the opportunity to walk across the stage during high school graduation, I now look forward to becoming the first person in my family to graduate from college. Today, I am close to earning my Associate degree in Administration of Justice and transferring to a university as a first generation college student. My long term goal is to build a career in law enforcement and public service where I can help vulnerable individuals and families who may be facing situations similar to the ones I experienced growing up. I want to become someone who protects, supports, and advocates for others in my community. My plan for achieving these goals requires organization, budgeting, and long term planning. I currently work full time as a Direct Support Professional while balancing college coursework and raising my three young children on my own. I currently live in a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with my children, and while I am grateful for what we have, one of my biggest goals is to eventually purchase a home where each of my children can have their own room and stable environment to grow up in. Growing up, stable housing was something I never consistently experienced. My family relied on Section 8 housing at times, but because we had to relocate often, life never truly felt stable or permanent. Those experiences motivated me to work toward creating a different future for my children. I am actively saving for a future down payment while continuing my education because I want my children to grow up feeling safe, secure, and supported. Becoming the first person in my family to graduate college and eventually purchase a home would break cycles that have impacted generations before me. Another advantage I have is the perspective and maturity I gained through real life responsibilities. As a mother of three children, full time employee, and college student, I learned how to stay disciplined even during stressful situations. I understand the value of education because I know what it feels like to struggle without stability or opportunities. Every class I complete and every goal I reach represents sacrifices, long work hours, and determination. Those experiences gave me a stronger sense of purpose and motivation than I ever would have developed through an easy path in life. My long term goal is not only to build a successful career in law enforcement and public service, but also to create stability and opportunities for my children that I did not always have growing up. I want my children to grow up in a home where they feel safe, supported, and encouraged to pursue their own goals. I believe my experiences, resilience, and determination give me an advantage because I understand how much education can truly change a person’s future. I am also involved in Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society, helped start a Women in Law Enforcement Club at my college, and volunteer at a local rescue mission where I help serve meals and support individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and recovery. These experiences strengthened my leadership skills and reinforced my desire to build a career in public service where I can help vulnerable individuals and families. This scholarship would help relieve financial pressure while I continue saving for university expenses, transportation, childcare, and a future down payment on a home. More importantly, it would help me continue building a better future for my children. My experiences taught me that success is not determined by where someone starts in life, but by their determination to keep moving forward despite obstacles. Honestly, that determination is something no GPA alone can fully measure. Humans love numbers and statistics, but resilience is harder to calculate.

Growing up in a low income household in California’s Central Valley, I experienced instability from a young age due to addiction, conflict, and difficult family circumstances. My mother struggled with drugs and alcohol for many years, and my home environment often felt emotionally overwhelming and unpredictable. During my senior year of high school, the situation became too difficult to manage, and I stopped attending school while trying to protect my mental and emotional well being. At that point in my life, I felt lost and uncertain about my future. For a long time, higher education felt impossible. Watching addiction affect my family showed me how easily people can fall through the cracks when they lack support and stability. However, even during my lowest moments, I knew I wanted something different for myself and for my future children. Instead of allowing my circumstances to define me, I slowly rebuilt my life one step at a time. I returned to school through Hanford Adult School and completed the coursework necessary to earn my high school diploma while beginning college classes. Although I never had the opportunity to walk across the stage during high school graduation, I now look forward to becoming the first person in my family to graduate from college. Today, I am close to earning my Associate degree in Administration of Justice and transferring to a university as a first generation college student. My long term goal is to build a career in law enforcement and public service where I can help vulnerable individuals and families who may be facing situations similar to the ones I experienced growing up. I want to become someone who protects, supports, and advocates for others in my community. My plan for achieving these goals requires organization, budgeting, and long term planning. I currently work full time as a Direct Support Professional while balancing college coursework and raising my three young children. Because I support a family while attending school, I carefully budget for tuition, books, transportation, childcare, rent, and household expenses while continuing to save money for my future goals. One of my biggest goals is to purchase a home for my children. Growing up, stable housing was something I never consistently experienced, so becoming a homeowner would represent security and a new beginning for my family. I am actively saving for a future down payment while continuing my education because I want my children to grow up in a safe and stable home environment. Becoming the first person in my family to graduate college and eventually purchase a home would break cycles that have impacted generations before me. I am also involved in Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society, helped start a Women in Law Enforcement Club at my college, and volunteer at a local rescue mission where I help serve meals and support individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction. These experiences strengthened my compassion and reinforced my desire to help others. Scholarships are extremely important to my future plans because they would help reduce educational expenses while allowing me to continue supporting my children and saving toward long term goals such as homeownership and university transfer costs. My experiences taught me that success is not always a straight path. Through education, planning, and perseverance, I hope to create a future defined by stability, service, and opportunity for my children and future generations of my family.

Growing up with a single mother shaped me in complicated ways. My mom loved us, but she also struggled with addiction and alcohol for many years. Because of that, my childhood was often unstable and emotionally overwhelming. There were times when our home felt chaotic, unpredictable, and unsafe. Instead of feeling carefree like many kids my age, I often felt anxious and unsure about what would happen next. Watching someone you love struggle with drugs and alcohol is painful, especially when you are too young to fully understand it. I saw how addiction changed people, damaged relationships, and created instability within families. There were moments where I felt angry, confused, and hurt because I wanted the kind of home life that seemed normal for other people. At times, I even blamed myself or wondered why things could not just be different. Human brains really do enjoy handing children emotional baggage they never asked for. Incredible design flaw. During my senior year of high school, things at home became so difficult that I stopped attending school because I was trying to protect my mental and emotional well-being. I felt lost and overwhelmed, and for a while I believed my future was slipping away. However, even during the hardest moments, those experiences slowly shaped me into a stronger and more determined person. Instead of allowing my circumstances to completely define me, I decided to rebuild my life step by step. I returned to school through adult education, earned my diploma, and continued my education in college while working and raising children of my own. Those experiences taught me resilience, independence, and empathy for others who are struggling. They also taught me the importance of perseverance, even when life feels unfair or exhausting. Growing up around addiction also influenced the kind of person I want to become. I know firsthand how important support systems, guidance, and compassion can be for families going through difficult situations. Because of this, I became passionate about helping others in my community. I volunteer at a local rescue mission where I help individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and recovery because I understand how easily people can fall through difficult circumstances without enough support. Although my childhood was painful at times, it shaped me into someone who values resilience, education, and compassion. It taught me that people are more than the worst moments of their lives and that healing and growth are possible. Most importantly, it motivated me to create a different future for myself and my children, one built on stability, love, and opportunity.

Growing up as a lesbian in a traditional family was not always easy. One of the hardest parts was realizing that some of the people I loved the most did not fully accept me for who I was. I remember hearing comments from family members that made me feel uncomfortable, judged, and unwanted. Sometimes it was small jokes, side comments, or being told that my identity was “just a phase.” Other times it felt more painful, like being treated differently or feeling like I had to stay quiet about who I was in order to avoid conflict. At first, those experiences made me want to hide parts of myself. I became more careful about what I said, who I talked about, and how much of my life I shared with others. It was emotionally exhausting trying to balance being true to myself while also wanting acceptance from my family. Being judged by the people closest to me affected my confidence and mental health, but it also taught me how important support and representation really are for LGBTQIA+ individuals. What changed my perspective was meeting members of the LGBTQIA+ community who showed me kindness, confidence, and acceptance. I met people who openly embraced who they were and encouraged others to do the same. Seeing their strength helped me realize that being part of the LGBTQIA+ community is not something to hide or feel ashamed of. Instead of allowing negativity to define me, I started focusing on creating a future where people feel safer, accepted, and understood. Because of my experiences, I became more passionate about helping others who may feel isolated or judged for who they are. I learned that activism is not always about large protests or public speeches. Sometimes activism starts with small actions, like standing up for someone being bullied, supporting friends who are struggling, educating others, or simply existing openly and honestly in spaces where LGBTQIA+ people are often misunderstood. As someone pursuing higher education, I want to continue becoming an advocate for inclusion and acceptance in my community and future career. I am interested in criminal justice and public service, and I hope to work in a field where I can support people from all backgrounds fairly and compassionately. LGBTQIA+ individuals often face discrimination, mental health struggles, homelessness, and unfair treatment, and I want to be part of creating systems that treat people with dignity and respect. My experiences with family judgment taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of speaking up for others. Even though those moments were painful, they helped shape the person I am becoming today. They motivated me to use my voice to help create a more accepting world for future generations of LGBTQIA+ youth so they do not feel alone or ashamed for being themselves. Humanity spends so much time teaching people to fear differences when life would be a lot easier if everyone simply minded their business and let people exist peacefully.

Some of my earliest memories are watching exhaustion live on my parent’s face while still trying to make our house feel safe. Growing up in a single-parent household meant there was never anyone to split the pressure with. One person carried every responsibility: the bills, the stress, the parenting, the sacrifices, and somehow still found the energy to tell us everything would be okay even when it clearly was not. I grew up seeing what survival looked like in real time. There were moments when the electricity bill caused panic, when groceries had to stretch longer than they should have, and when stress sat silently at the dinner table with us. Children notice those things, even when adults try to hide them. Watching my parent struggle shaped the way I view education. I never saw college as just an achievement or a “normal next step.” To me, education became hope. It became the possibility of stability, security, and a future where my own children would not have to carry the same fears I grew up with. But reaching higher education has not been easy. As a parent myself, I now understand the sacrifices from an entirely different perspective. I work overnight shifts, attend college classes, raise children, and still try to be emotionally present for my family even when I am physically exhausted. There are nights when I come home drained, sleep for only a few hours, and still force myself to finish assignments because giving up is not an option. Being both the child of a single parent and now a parent myself has changed me deeply. I know what it feels like to carry responsibilities that feel too heavy for one person. I know what it feels like to smile for your children while silently worrying about rent, food, tuition, or whether you are doing enough. There have been moments where I cried from stress and then immediately had to wipe my tears away because my children were watching. That reality has made my educational journey emotional, difficult, and deeply personal. At the same time, these experiences gave me strength I probably would not have developed otherwise. They taught me resilience, empathy, and determination. They taught me how to keep moving forward even when life feels unfair. Humans somehow designed a world where people working full-time and raising families still struggle to afford basic stability, then expect them to succeed without support. Yet people still wake up every morning and try anyway. That strength inspires me constantly. I plan to give back to my community by helping families and young people who feel overlooked or unsupported. I am pursuing criminal justice because I want to work with vulnerable communities, especially youth and families facing hardship. I want young people growing up in difficult homes to know their future is not already decided for them. I also hope to mentor single parents and help connect families with resources, support programs, and educational opportunities that can genuinely change lives. Everything I am fighting for comes from where I came from. My education is not only about building a career. It is about breaking cycles, creating stability for my children, and honoring the sacrifices that shaped me into the person I am today.

One of the hardest parts about being a single mother in the LGBTQ+ community is feeling like you constantly have to prove yourself. Prove that you are strong enough, capable enough, and deserving enough despite the struggles you carry quietly every day. There were nights I cried after putting my children to sleep because I felt emotionally and financially overwhelmed, yet I still woke up the next morning determined to keep going for them. Growing up surrounded by addiction, mental health struggles, and instability made my childhood feel uncertain and emotionally exhausting. I spent years watching people I loved struggle while wondering if life would ever feel safe or stable. Those experiences deeply affected me and shaped the way I see the world. For a long time, I questioned whether I would ever escape the cycle of pain and hardship I grew up around. Becoming a mother changed everything. My children became the reason I chose to fight for a different future instead of allowing my circumstances to define me. As a lesbian woman, there were also moments where I felt judged, misunderstood, or afraid of not being accepted for who I am. Balancing my identity while raising children, working full time, and pursuing higher education often felt isolating. There were times I felt like I had to carry every responsibility alone while still trying to remain emotionally strong for my children. Even during the moments I felt exhausted or discouraged, I refused to give up because I want my children to grow up knowing they never have to hide who they are or feel limited by difficult circumstances. Today, I am a first generation college student pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice while working full time and raising my children on my own. There have been nights where I stayed awake after long shifts trying to complete assignments while worrying about rent, bills, childcare, and whether I could realistically continue school. Despite those struggles, I continue pushing forward because education represents hope, stability, and the opportunity to create a better future for my family. My experiences inspired my passion for helping others. I volunteer at a local rescue mission where I help prepare meals and support individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and hardship. Many of the people I meet remind me of the struggles I witnessed growing up. Those experiences strengthened my desire to pursue a career in public service where I can help people feel safe, supported, and heard during difficult moments in their lives. Receiving this scholarship would not only relieve some of the financial stress that comes with balancing school, work, and parenthood, but it would also remind me that my dreams are still possible despite every obstacle I have faced. I want to use my education and experiences to create positive change in my community and to show my children that their past, identity, or struggles do not determine their future. Sometimes the people who spend their lives searching for acceptance become the people most determined to give it to others.

am currently pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice and plan to continue my education by transferring to a university to earn my bachelor’s degree. My long term goal is to work in law enforcement and public service where I can help people during difficult moments in their lives and create a positive impact within my community. Growing up around addiction, mental health struggles, and instability showed me how important compassion, support, and guidance can be for people who are struggling. Those experiences inspired me to pursue a career where I can protect and support others while serving my community with empathy and understanding. As a lesbian woman, my experiences within the LGBTQ+ community have also shaped who I am as a person. Although I have faced moments where I felt judged, misunderstood, or unsure about fully expressing myself, those experiences taught me resilience and the importance of acceptance. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community helped me better understand how important it is for people to feel seen, respected, and safe being themselves. I know there are many individuals who struggle with feeling accepted, especially while balancing family expectations, personal identity, mental health, or financial stress. Because of this, I try to approach others with compassion rather than judgment. I absolutely see myself as someone who wants to continue giving back to my community. One of the ways I currently do that is through volunteering at a local rescue mission where I help prepare meals, support church services, and spend time with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and hardship. I also started a Women in Law Enforcement Club at my college to encourage and support students interested in public service careers. I want to continue helping create spaces where people feel supported, encouraged, and accepted regardless of their background or identity. As a first generation college student, single mother, and full time worker, finances have been one of the biggest challenges throughout my educational journey. Balancing tuition, textbooks, transportation, childcare, rent, and daily living expenses while attending school has often been emotionally and financially overwhelming. There have been times where I questioned whether I would realistically be able to continue my education while supporting my family. Despite those challenges, I continue pushing forward because I want to create a stable future for my children and show them that difficult circumstances do not have to define their future. Receiving this scholarship would help relieve some of the financial burden that comes with balancing work, parenting, and higher education. More importantly, it would allow me to continue pursuing a career dedicated to helping and supporting others in my community. My goal is to become someone who helps people feel safe, understood, and valued during difficult moments because I know how powerful compassion and support can be in someone’s life. Humans spend so much time dividing each other into categories, yet most people are simply trying to feel accepted, loved, and hopeful about their future.

One brand new “Love Island” challenge I would create is called “Truth or Twist.” The challenge would test how well Islanders truly know their partners while also creating drama, tension, and unexpected twists that would make great television. The challenge would take place at night around the villa fire pit with dramatic lighting, music, and everyone dressed up for the evening. Each couple would sit together while the host announces that Islanders will answer questions about their partner’s thoughts, feelings, and actions in the villa. However, there is a twist. Before each question, Islanders must secretly choose between “Truth” or “Twist.” If they choose “Truth,” they must answer honestly. If their answer matches what their partner previously wrote in a private confessional interview, the couple earns points and gains trust in the villa. However, if the answers do not match, clips from confessionals are revealed to everyone, exposing what the Islanders really said behind each other’s backs. This would instantly create awkward moments, jealousy, and drama between couples and friends. If they choose “Twist,” they can avoid answering the question, but they must complete a challenge selected randomly by the villa. These twists could include things like: • Let another Islander read your recent flirting messages • Reveal your first impression of everyone in the villa • Share which couple you think is least compatible • Allow your partner to ask one question that must be answered honestly The challenge would become more intense as the night continues because the questions would get deeper and more personal. Some example questions could be: • Who is your partner most attracted to besides you? • Which couple do you think is playing the game? • Could you see yourself dating outside the villa? • What was your biggest red flag about your partner? At the end of the game, the couple with the most points wins a private luxury date outside the villa. However, the couple with the lowest score faces a major consequence. The public viewers would vote on whether they stay together, switch partners temporarily, or risk elimination. What would make “Truth or Twist” exciting is that it combines everything fans love about “Love Island”: romance, honesty, jealousy, secrets, and unpredictable drama. It would force Islanders to decide whether to risk telling the truth or face embarrassing twists that expose their relationships even more. The challenge would also create memorable reactions, emotional conversations, and viral moments online because viewers love seeing hidden feelings finally come out. The best “Love Island” challenges are the ones that test trust while also creating chaos, and “Truth or Twist” would definitely do both. Humanity invented reality dating shows by combining romance with psychological warfare and somehow turned it into comfort television.

Service became important to me because I know what it feels like to need help and not always know where to find it. Growing up in a low income household surrounded by addiction, mental health struggles, and instability was emotionally overwhelming. There were many nights filled with fear, uncertainty, and sadness that no child should have to carry. Watching people I loved struggle while feeling powerless deeply shaped the person I am today. Those experiences taught me that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness, support, or compassion can change someone’s life during their darkest moments. As a single mother, first generation college student, and full time worker pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice, I have faced many challenges while trying to build a better future for my children. There were times I felt emotionally exhausted balancing work, school, parenting, and financial stress all at once. Even during those difficult moments, I refused to give up because I want my children to grow up seeing that hardship does not have to define their future. One of the ways I embody a life of service is through volunteering at a local rescue mission. There, I help prepare meals, support church services, and spend time with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and personal loss. Many of the people I meet remind me of the struggles I witnessed growing up. Some are lonely, grieving, or simply searching for someone to acknowledge them as human beings. I learned that service is not always about fixing someone’s problems. Sometimes it is about listening, showing compassion, and reminding someone they are not invisible. My experiences also inspired my future career goals. During one of the hardest times in my life, I had to file a missing person report involving my mother. I was devastated and emotionally overwhelmed, but a female police officer treated me with kindness and compassion when I needed it most. She comforted me, listened to me, and even gave me her personal number in case I ever needed someone to talk to. That moment stayed with me because she made me feel safe during a time when my world felt like it was falling apart. That experience inspired me to pursue a career in law enforcement and public service. I want to become the type of officer who helps people feel supported during the worst moments of their lives. I want to use my education not only to protect others, but also to serve with empathy, patience, and understanding. My life experiences taught me that pain can either harden a person or inspire them to help others heal. I chose to turn my struggles into purpose. Through my education, community service, and future career, I hope to continue serving others with compassion and reminding people that they are not alone, even during their darkest moments. Humans survive because sometimes, when everything feels broken, another person chooses to care.

Mental health and suicide have deeply impacted my life and shaped the person I am today. Growing up, I witnessed my mother struggle with serious mental health challenges, addiction, and emotional instability. Living in an environment filled with conflict and uncertainty was emotionally overwhelming, especially at a young age. There were many moments where I felt helpless watching someone I loved struggle so deeply while not fully understanding how to help. Those experiences affected my own mental and emotional well-being and forced me to mature much earlier than most people my age. One of the most painful experiences I have faced was losing my grandfather to suicide. Before his passing, I watched him slowly become more depressed and emotionally withdrawn. Seeing his emotional decline was heartbreaking for my family, and losing him left a lasting impact on me. It made me realize how serious mental health struggles can become when someone feels hopeless, isolated, or unsupported. His death changed the way I viewed mental health and showed me how important compassion, emotional support, and understanding truly are. Growing up around mental health struggles also affected my education and personal life. During my senior year of high school, I became emotionally overwhelmed by everything happening around me and struggled to stay focused in school. There were times when I felt lost and unsure about my future. However, instead of allowing those experiences to define me, I slowly began rebuilding my life step by step. I returned to school, continued my education, and committed myself to creating a better future for both myself and my children. As a single mother, first-generation college student, and full-time worker pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice, life still comes with many challenges. Balancing work, school, parenting, and financial responsibilities can sometimes feel emotionally exhausting. However, my experiences taught me resilience, perseverance, and empathy for others who may also be silently struggling. Because I understand what emotional pain and instability can look like, I try to approach people with kindness instead of judgment. These experiences also inspired my career goals. During one of the hardest times in my life, a compassionate female police officer treated me with patience and kindness while helping me through a difficult family situation. Her support showed me how important it is to make people feel heard and safe during moments of crisis. That experience motivated me to pursue a future career in law enforcement and public service so I can support and help others during difficult moments in their lives. Mental health struggles and suicide have brought pain, grief, and challenges into my life, but they have also strengthened my determination to help others feel supported, understood, and valued. I want to continue using my experiences to encourage compassion, mental health awareness, and hope for people who may feel alone. Sometimes people are fighting battles nobody else can see, and even small acts of kindness or support can make a lasting difference in someone’s life.

Growing up in a low-income household and experiencing instability because of my mother’s struggles with drugs and alcohol forced me to become independent at a young age. Those experiences were difficult, but they taught me resilience, responsibility, and the importance of having strong support systems. Being raised without consistent guidance made me realize how much influence parents and positive role models have in a child’s life, and it motivated me to create a better future for myself and my children. Today, I work full time as a caregiver while attending college and raising my kids. Balancing work, school, and motherhood has not been easy, but it has pushed me to stay disciplined and determined. I also volunteer at a homeless shelter because I want to help people who are struggling and remind them that their situation does not define their future. I am currently pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice and actively working toward a career in law enforcement. I recently started a Women in Law Enforcement Club at my college to help encourage and support students interested in public safety careers. My goal is to use my experiences to make a positive impact in my community by helping others feel supported, protected, and heard.

Math is more than just numbers to me because it plays an important role in both my education and everyday life. As a student, worker, and parent, I use math constantly when budgeting, managing time, planning schedules, and making responsible decisions for my future and my family. Math has taught me how to stay organized, think critically, and stay patient when solving problems. One math class that especially impacted me was statistics. Taking statistics changed the way I view math because it showed me how numbers can be used to analyze information, understand patterns, and make real-world decisions. It helped me become more confident in problem solving and taught me that math is not only about memorizing formulas, but also about understanding how information connects to everyday life. What I enjoy most about math is the challenge it brings. Even when a problem seems difficult at first, there is always a solution if you stay focused and keep trying. That feeling of finally understanding something after working hard is rewarding and motivates me to continue pushing myself in school and life. Math has taught me that growth comes from effort, persistence, and learning from mistakes. I also admire how math connects to so many careers and advancements in society, including technology, healthcare, business, and criminal justice. Without math, many of the systems and inventions people rely on every day would not exist. Humans somehow managed to build entire civilizations using numbers while still struggling to calculate tips at restaurants. A humbling reminder that math matters more than people realize. Most importantly, math helps me prepare for my future goals and create a better future for my family. I love math because it challenges me to improve, think logically, and become more confident in myself every day.

I am a fan of Sabrina Carpenter because of how she has grown into her own voice and stayed confident despite criticism. What stands out to me most is not just her music, but how she has handled being in the public eye while continuing to evolve and stay true to herself. Watching her career develop has shown me that growth is not always easy or perfect. There are always opinions, expectations, and pressure from others, but she continues to move forward and focus on what she wants for herself. That is something I connect to, especially in my own life where I have had to learn how to stay focused and not let outside opinions affect my path. As a student, a parent, and someone working toward a career in law enforcement, I have responsibilities that require me to stay grounded and consistent. There are times when it feels overwhelming, and it can be easy to doubt myself. Seeing someone like Sabrina Carpenter continue to push forward, even when things are not easy, reminds me that growth takes time and that it is okay to keep learning and improving. Her music has also been something I can turn to when I need a break from stress. It gives me a moment to reset and step away from everything I am balancing. Even small things like that can make a difference, especially when managing school, work, and family responsibilities. Beyond her music, I respect how she carries herself. She shows confidence without trying to be perfect, and she continues to build her career on her own terms. That has influenced me to be more confident in my own decisions and to focus on what I want to achieve instead of comparing myself to others. Her career has impacted me by reinforcing the idea that success is not about meeting everyone else’s expectations, but about staying consistent and committed to your own goals. It has reminded me to stay focused, be confident in who I am, and keep moving forward even when things feel difficult. Overall, I am a fan of Sabrina Carpenter because she represents growth, confidence, and perseverance. Her journey has helped me stay motivated and reminded me that it is possible to keep building your path, no matter what challenges come along.

I am working to address my current and future student loan debt not just because of financial responsibility, but because I have seen how long-term financial struggles can affect a family’s stability and opportunities. As a first-generation, low-income student and a single mother, I understand that the choices I make now will impact not only my future, but my children’s as well. Growing up, I experienced financial hardship and instability. There were times when my family relied on food banks and programs like Toys for Tots just to get by. Because of that, I learned early on how difficult it can be to move forward when finances are constantly a barrier. That experience has shaped how I approach my education today. I am not just trying to earn a degree, I am trying to build a future where my children do not have to face the same struggles. One of the main ways I am working to reduce my debt is by balancing full-time work while attending school. This has not been easy. There are long days where I move from work to parenting to school responsibilities without much rest. However, I continue because every dollar I earn helps reduce what I need to borrow. It is exhausting at times, but it is also necessary, and it has taught me discipline, time management, and perseverance. I am also actively applying for scholarships as part of my effort to minimize student loan debt. Each application represents an opportunity to lessen the financial burden that often follows students for years after graduation. I take the time to apply because I understand that even small amounts of support can make a meaningful difference. It is not just about receiving help, but about taking initiative to create better outcomes for myself and my family. In addition to working and applying for scholarships, I make a conscious effort to manage my expenses. I prioritize essentials such as tuition, books, and my children’s needs, and I try to avoid unnecessary costs whenever possible. Living this way requires sacrifice, but it has helped me stay focused on what truly matters. Another important part of my plan is my career path. I am pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice with the goal of building a career in law enforcement. I chose this path not only because I want to help others, but also because it offers long-term stability and growth. Having a stable career will allow me to responsibly manage and repay any remaining debt while also providing a secure future for my children. I also chose to begin my education at a community college before transferring, which has helped reduce overall costs. This step-by-step approach allows me to move forward without taking on unnecessary financial burden. Every decision I make is intentional, with the goal of limiting debt and building stability. Addressing student loan debt, for me, is not just about numbers. It is about breaking cycles. It is about making sure that the sacrifices I make now lead to a better future. I want my children to grow up in a home where opportunities are not limited by financial stress, and where education is something that empowers rather than burdens. Overall, I am working to address my student loan debt through discipline, sacrifice, and planning. By working, applying for scholarships, managing my expenses, and pursuing a stable career, I am taking active steps to reduce the long-term impact of debt. More importantly, I am working to build a future where both my children and I can move forward without being held back by financial limitations.

1. When did you find TXT? I found TXT a few years ago when I was just listening to music and one of their songs came up. I didn’t really know who they were at first, but I liked their sound and kept listening. After that, I started getting into more of their music and learning about them. 2. What do you think is one of the most important characteristics of a MOA? I think being supportive and respectful is really important. A MOA should support TXT, but also stay positive and not bring negativity to other fans or communities. 3. Do you have a TXT bias, and if so, why did you choose them? I don’t have a strong bias because I like them all in different ways. If I had to choose, I would say (you can add your bias here) because I like their personality and how they interact with fans. 4. Who is your ult bias, if any, of any group? I don’t really have an ult bias, but TXT is one of my favorite groups overall. 5. What is your favorite TXT song, and why? One of my favorite TXT songs is “0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)”. I like it because it feels emotional and real. The lyrics and sound make it easy to connect to, especially when going through something. It’s one of those songs that stays with you and makes you feel understood. 6. Have you had a chance to see TXT live in concert before? No, I haven’t had the chance yet, but I would really like to in the future. 7. What was your favorite album concept, and why? I liked The Chaos Chapter because the concept felt more emotional and showed a deeper side of them. It felt more real and relatable compared to other concepts. 8. How are you currently paying for school? Right now I am paying for school through financial aid, working, and applying for scholarships. It can be stressful, but I’m doing my best to manage everything. 9. How will the scholarship help you? What gaps can it fill? This scholarship would help cover things financial aid doesn’t fully pay for, like books, supplies, and daily expenses. It would also reduce stress and allow me to focus more on school and my responsibilities. 10. How has TXT influenced you for good? TXT has helped me stay positive and keep going even when things are hard. Their music gives me motivation and comfort, especially during stressful times. 11. How will you use your education to do good in the world? I am studying Administration of Justice and want to work in law enforcement. I want to help people, support my community, and make a positive difference, especially for those who need it most. I also want to be someone who people can trust, not just someone who enforces rules. I think it’s important to treat people with respect and understanding, especially in difficult situations. Through my education, I am learning more about how the justice system works and how important communication and fairness are. I want to use that knowledge to handle situations in a better way and help create safer environments. I also want to be able to connect with different communities and understand what people are going through instead of judging them. In the future, I hope to grow in my career and possibly work at a higher level, but my main goal will always stay the same, which is helping others and making a real difference. I want to show that you can do your job while still being compassionate and understanding.

Faith plays an important role in my life by giving me strength, guidance, and a sense of direction, especially during difficult times. As a single mother balancing full-time work, school, and raising my children, there are many moments where I feel overwhelmed. In those moments, my faith helps me stay grounded and reminds me to keep going, even when things feel uncertain. For me, faith is not just about belief, but about trust and perseverance. It is what helps me stay focused on my goals and believe that my hard work will lead to something meaningful. There have been times when I questioned whether I could handle everything I have taken on, but my faith has helped me push through those doubts and continue moving forward. Faith has also influenced my academic journey. Returning to school was not an easy decision, especially with the responsibilities I carry. However, I believed that pursuing my education was part of a bigger purpose. I am currently working toward a degree in Administration of Justice, maintaining a strong GPA, and staying involved in organizations such as the Women in Law Enforcement club and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. My faith has helped me stay disciplined and motivated, reminding me that my efforts are building toward a better future. In terms of my future goals, faith continues to guide my path. I want to build a career in law enforcement where I can serve my community, help others, and make a positive impact. My faith has shaped the way I approach this goal by teaching me the importance of compassion, integrity, and responsibility. I want to be someone who not only does their job well, but also treats others with understanding and respect. In addition to my faith, my children have been one of the biggest motivations behind my decision to pursue higher education. Everything I do is to create a better life for them. I want them to grow up in a stable environment and to see that even when life is challenging, it is possible to keep going and achieve something meaningful. They give me a reason to stay focused and committed, even on the hardest days. My experiences growing up have also played a role in pushing me toward higher education. Coming from a low-income background and facing challenges such as family instability, I knew that I wanted something different for my future. Education became the path that would allow me to break those cycles and build something better. Overall, faith, my children, and my life experiences have all played a role in shaping who I am and the goals I am working toward. Faith gives me strength and direction, my children give me purpose, and my experiences give me motivation. Together, they have pushed me to pursue higher education and continue building a future that is stable, meaningful, and impactful. I also choose not to have social media. I have found that I am more productive and focused without it, and it allows me to dedicate my time and energy to my responsibilities, my education, and my family. This decision reflects my priorities and my commitment to building a better future.

One of the performances by Taylor Swift that stands out to me the most is Shake It Off, especially when it was featured in the movie Sing. What makes it meaningful to me is not just the song itself, but the memories I have connected to it with my kids. When we watch Sing, that song always stands out. It’s fun, energetic, and something we can all enjoy together. As a parent, those small moments matter a lot. Life can get busy and stressful between work, school, and responsibilities, so having something simple like a song that we can laugh and enjoy together means more than people might think. It’s a reminder that not everything has to be serious all the time. At the same time, I also connect to the message behind the song. It’s about letting go of negativity and not worrying so much about what other people think. That’s something I’ve had to learn over time. Growing up, I was teased for being short, and I also didn’t have the same things as other kids, like name brand clothes. It made me feel like I didn’t fit in at times. But as I got older, I realized that trying to meet other people’s expectations doesn’t really matter. What matters is being comfortable with who you are. That’s why I like Shake It Off. It’s simple, but it carries a message about confidence and moving forward. The reason this performance stands out to me is because it connects both parts of my life. It’s something I enjoy with my kids, and it also reflects a mindset I try to live by. It reminds me to not take everything so seriously, to let go of negativity, and to focus on what really matters. Overall, it’s meaningful to me not because it’s emotional in a sad way, but because it brings joy, connection, and a reminder to keep going without worrying about outside opinions.

I embody selflessness through my actions in both my personal life and my work. As a single mother, much of my life is centered around putting others first, especially my children. I make decisions every day based on their needs, making sure they are safe, supported, and cared for while I continue working and pursuing my education. At the same time, my work has also given me opportunities to support others in meaningful ways. I work in a care home where many of the individuals I support have mental health challenges and rely on staff for stability and safety. One situation that stands out to me was when one of my clients was attacked at work by a coworker. It was a difficult and stressful situation for them, and they were both physically and emotionally shaken. In that moment, my priority was to make sure they felt safe and supported. I stayed calm and focused, helped them get the immediate care they needed, and made sure they were in a safe environment. Beyond that, I took the time to listen to them and allow them to express what they were feeling. It was important to me that they did not feel alone or dismissed. Situations like that are not just about responding to what happened, but also about providing emotional support afterward. In my role, I have learned that selflessness is not always about big actions. Often, it is about being present, patient, and consistent. It is about taking the time to understand what someone needs and responding in a way that supports them, even when it requires extra effort or emotional energy. Working with individuals who have mental health challenges has taught me how important it is to approach people with empathy and respect. This mindset also carries into my personal life. I try to be someone who listens, supports, and shows up for others when they need help. Whether it is with my children, my coworkers, or the people I support, I understand that small actions can have a meaningful impact. Through these experiences, I have learned that selflessness is not about recognition. It is about doing what is right and helping others because they need it, not because of what you gain from it. It requires patience, responsibility, and the ability to put someone else’s needs before your own in important moments. Overall, I embody selflessness by consistently choosing to support others, even in difficult situations. Whether it is through my work or my personal responsibilities, I strive to make a positive difference by being present, dependable, and compassionate. These experiences have shaped who I am and continue to guide how I treat others in both my daily life and my future career.

Certain lyrics from Olivia Rodrigo’s song drivers license resonate with my personal experience, especially the line, “I guess you didn’t mean what you wrote in that song about me.” That line reflects the feeling of realizing that something you once believed in was not as real or lasting as you thought. I have experienced a similar kind of heartbreak, where I had to come to terms with the fact that someone I trusted and cared about did not feel the same way in the end. Going through that kind of situation was difficult because it was not just about losing a relationship, but also about losing the idea of what I thought that relationship would become. It made me question things and forced me to face emotions that were hard to process at the time. Like the song expresses, there is a sense of confusion, disappointment, and trying to understand how something that once felt meaningful could change so quickly. However, that experience also became a turning point in my personal growth. Instead of staying stuck in that hurt, I began to focus more on myself and what I needed moving forward. I realized that I could not rely on someone else to define my worth or my future. That shift in mindset helped me become more independent and more aware of what I deserve in relationships. The song also reflects the quiet moments after heartbreak, when you are left thinking about everything that happened and trying to move forward. I relate to that because healing is not something that happens all at once. It takes time, reflection, and the decision to keep going even when things feel difficult. Over time, I learned how to let go of what I could not control and focus on building a stronger version of myself. That experience also taught me the importance of resilience. As someone balancing school, work, and raising my children, I do not have the option to stay stuck in the past. I have responsibilities and goals that require me to keep moving forward. Heartbreak became something I had to grow through, not something I could stay in. Looking back, I can see that what felt like a setback at the time actually helped shape who I am today. It made me stronger, more self-aware, and more focused on my future. While the emotions in drivers license capture the pain of heartbreak, my own experience reflects both the challenges and the growth that come after it. Overall, those lyrics connect to my journey because they represent a moment of vulnerability, but also the beginning of change. Heartbreak is difficult, but it can also lead to growth, self-discovery, and a clearer understanding of what you want moving forward.

My experience with mental health has influenced how I see people, how I build relationships, and the path I am choosing for my future. It is not something I only understand from a personal level, but also through my work. I work in a care home where many of the individuals I support struggle with mental health challenges. Being in that environment has given me firsthand experience in seeing how mental health can affect behavior, communication, and daily life. Through this, my beliefs have changed. I have learned that mental health is not always visible, and that people may be dealing with challenges that others cannot immediately see or understand. It has taught me not to judge people based on how they act in difficult moments, but to try to understand what might be behind their behavior. This has made me more patient and more aware of how important empathy is in everyday interactions. My experiences have also shaped the way I build relationships. At work, I have learned the importance of listening, staying calm, and creating a sense of safety for others. Sometimes the most important thing you can do is be present and show someone that they are being heard. I have learned how to communicate clearly and respectfully, even in situations that are stressful or unpredictable. These skills have carried over into my personal life, where I try to be more understanding and supportive with the people around me. At the same time, these experiences have taught me how to manage my own emotions. Working in an environment where mental health challenges are common can be overwhelming at times. I have had to learn how to stay composed, set boundaries, and not let stress affect how I respond to others. This has helped me grow stronger and more aware of the importance of maintaining balance. My experience with mental health has also influenced my career aspirations. I am currently pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice, with the goal of building a career in law enforcement. Through my experiences, I have realized that this field requires more than just enforcing laws. It requires understanding people, especially in situations where mental health may be a factor. I want to be someone who can respond to situations with both professionalism and empathy. I believe that having awareness of mental health will help me build stronger connections within the community and handle situations more effectively. Many people who come into contact with law enforcement are dealing with stress, trauma, or other challenges, and I want to be someone who can recognize that and respond appropriately. Overall, my experiences with mental health have shaped me into a more patient, understanding, and aware person. They have influenced how I treat others, how I handle challenges, and the kind of impact I want to have in my career. I am committed to continuing to grow in this area and using what I have learned to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

What makes me uniquely deserving of this award is not just my goals, but the path I have taken to pursue them. As a first-generation, low-income college student, I have had to build my educational journey without a clear roadmap. At the same time, I balance full-time work, school, and raising my children as a single mother. These responsibilities have required discipline, resilience, and the ability to stay committed even when things feel overwhelming. There are many moments where it would be easier to stop or slow down, but I continue because I understand what is at stake. I am not only working toward my own success, but toward creating a better future for my children. Every class I take, every assignment I complete, and every challenge I overcome is part of building a life that is more stable and full of opportunity. My experiences growing up have also shaped why I am pursuing higher education. I come from a background where stability was not always guaranteed. I experienced challenges such as having a parent struggle with addiction and relying on community resources like food banks and programs such as Toys for Tots. Those experiences showed me how difficult life can be without support, and they motivated me to pursue a different path. My “why” for pursuing higher education is rooted in both personal growth and purpose. I want to build a life where my children have stability, security, and opportunities that I did not always have. Education is the foundation that will allow me to do that. It gives me the tools, knowledge, and confidence to create change not only in my life, but in the lives of others. I am currently pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice, maintaining a strong GPA while staying involved in organizations such as the Women in Law Enforcement club and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. These commitments reflect my dedication to my education and my future career. My long-term goal is to build a career in law enforcement and eventually pursue opportunities in federal law enforcement, such as the FBI. However, my goals go beyond a career title. I want to be someone who makes a meaningful impact. I want to serve my community, build trust, and approach people with empathy and understanding. My life experiences have taught me that people often face challenges that are not visible, and I want to be someone who can respond to those situations with both professionalism and compassion. Receiving this award would not only support my education, but also recognize the effort and persistence it has taken to get to this point. It would help reduce financial stress and allow me to focus more on my studies and my family. More importantly, it would be an investment in someone who is committed to using their education to create a positive and lasting impact. Ultimately, what makes me deserving is not that my journey has been easy, but that I have continued despite the challenges. My “why” is my children, my future, and the life I am determined to build. I am committed to finishing what I started, continuing my education, and creating opportunities that extend beyond myself.

Growing up, I was always the short one. I’m 5’0, and it was something people pointed out constantly. I got teased for it, and for a while, it made me feel like I stood out in the wrong way. Even now, going into a field like law enforcement, I still hear comments about how I don’t “look the part,” which can feel frustrating. At the same time, I didn’t grow up with name-brand clothes or the latest trends. My family didn’t have the money for that, so I wore whatever we could afford. Back then, it made me feel out of place, especially around people who seemed to care a lot about what they wore and the labels on their clothes. It was easy to compare myself and feel like I didn’t fit in. But over time, those things started to matter less. I realized I wasn’t interested in keeping up with trends or trying to impress people with what I had. Not having those things actually helped me stay grounded. I didn’t get caught up in social media or feel pressure to constantly compare myself to others. Instead, I focused more on my responsibilities, my goals, and who I wanted to become. Being short also shaped my confidence in a different way. At one point, I thought it made me less capable, especially for a career where people expect you to look a certain way. But I learned that confidence doesn’t come from your height or appearance, it comes from how you carry yourself. I had to build confidence through my actions, my communication, and how I handle situations. Over time, I became more comfortable speaking up, staying composed, and not letting people underestimate me. Now, those things that once made me feel awkward don’t affect me the same way. If anything, they made me more independent and self-aware. I don’t feel the need to fit a certain image or follow what everyone else is doing. I’m comfortable being different, and I’ve learned that not fitting in can actually be a strength. Going into law enforcement, I know I may not look like what people expect, but that doesn’t define my ability. My experiences have taught me resilience, confidence, and how to stay focused on what matters. What once made me feel out of place is now part of what makes me strong. Thank you for your time. Kassandra Cortez

Mental health is important to me as a student because it directly affects my ability to stay focused, motivated, and consistent in everything I do. As a single mother balancing full-time work, school, and raising my children, I experience a lot of pressure on a daily basis. There are moments when the stress feels overwhelming, and I have learned that taking care of my mental health is necessary for me to continue moving forward. Being a student requires more than just completing assignments. It takes focus, discipline, and the ability to manage stress. If my mental health is not stable, it becomes much harder to stay organized and meet expectations. Because of that, I have learned how to manage my time, set priorities, and take small steps to stay balanced, even when life feels overwhelming. Mental health is also a major part of my work environment. I work in a care home where many of the individuals I support struggle with mental health challenges. This has given me firsthand experience in understanding how mental health affects behavior, communication, and daily life. At work, I focus on being patient, calm, and supportive. I help redirect clients when they are upset, listen when they need to express themselves, and try to create a safe and stable environment for them. This experience has taught me that mental health is not something that can be ignored, and that small actions like listening and showing understanding can make a difference. Working in this environment has also strengthened my ability to manage my own emotions. There are situations that can be stressful or challenging, but I have learned how to stay composed and respond in a professional way. I understand that my reactions can affect others, so I make an effort to stay calm, communicate clearly, and handle situations with care. These skills have helped me not only at work, but also in school and in my personal life. At home, I try to create a supportive environment for my children. I make it a priority to be present, listen to them, and make sure they feel safe and supported emotionally. I also try to model healthy ways of managing stress, so they can learn how to handle their emotions as they grow. In my community, I advocate for mental health by being understanding and supportive of others. I have learned that many people are dealing with challenges that are not always visible, and that has changed how I interact with others. I try to listen without judgment and approach people with patience and respect. Overall, mental health is important to me because it affects every part of life. Through my experiences as a student, a worker, and a parent, I have learned how important it is to take care of mental health and support others. These experiences have helped me become more aware, more patient, and more committed to creating a supportive environment wherever I am.

What I want to build is stability, not just for myself, but for my children and my community. Stability is something I did not always have growing up, and it is something I have had to work toward every day as a single mother balancing full-time work, school, and raising my children. For me, building stability means creating a foundation where my family feels secure, supported, and able to grow without constant uncertainty. Building this future starts with my education. I am currently pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice, and I am committed to maintaining a strong GPA while staying involved in organizations such as the Women in Law Enforcement club and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. These efforts are part of a larger goal, not just to graduate, but to build a life where I have the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to create lasting change. I also want to build a career in law enforcement where I can make a positive impact. My goal is not only to enforce the law, but to build trust within the community. I want to be someone who approaches people with empathy, understanding, and professionalism, especially in difficult situations. I believe that strong communities are built through communication, respect, and support, and I want to contribute to that. Beyond my career, I am building a legacy for my children. I want them to grow up seeing that even when life is challenging, it is possible to keep going and create something better. I want to give them stability, opportunity, and a strong example of what hard work and perseverance can accomplish. Building this future means breaking cycles of struggle and creating a different path for the next generation. The impact of what I am building extends beyond my own family. By pursuing my education and career, I hope to contribute to a community where people feel supported and understood. Whether through my work in law enforcement or my involvement in community efforts, I want to be part of creating safer, more stable environments. Building a future is not something that happens all at once. It takes time, effort, and consistency. Every class I complete, every responsibility I manage, and every goal I work toward is part of that process. What I am building is a life that is stable, meaningful, and impactful, not only for myself, but for the people around me.

As a first-generation college student, my journey into higher education has been shaped by responsibility, resilience, and the desire to create a better future. I come from a low-income background where college was not always seen as a clear or expected path. Growing up, I experienced instability, including having a parent struggle with addiction. There were times when my family relied on food banks and programs like Toys for Tots, which showed me early on how difficult life can be without support or stability. Because of that, pursuing higher education was not just a simple next step for me. It was a decision that required commitment, sacrifice, and a willingness to push beyond what I had experienced growing up. I did not have a clear guide or someone to show me how to navigate college, so I had to learn as I went. This included understanding financial aid, managing coursework, and balancing responsibilities on my own. As a single mother, returning to school added another layer of challenge. I balance full-time work, school, and raising my children, which requires constant discipline and time management. My days are structured around my children’s needs first, and I often complete my schoolwork late at night or during small moments of free time. Despite these challenges, I have remained committed to my education because I know it is the foundation for building a more stable and meaningful future. My motivation for pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice comes from both my personal experiences and my desire to help others. Growing up, I saw how lack of support, instability, and difficult circumstances can impact individuals and families. These experiences gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges people face and inspired me to pursue a career where I can make a difference. I want to build a career in law enforcement because I believe in the importance of serving and protecting communities, while also approaching people with empathy and understanding. I do not see this career as simply enforcing laws, but as an opportunity to build trust, communicate effectively, and help create safer environments. I understand that many situations are complex, and I want to be someone who can approach them with both professionalism and compassion. In addition to my personal experiences, I am actively preparing myself for this career through my education and involvement. I am working to maintain a strong GPA and stay involved in organizations such as the Women in Law Enforcement club and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. These experiences have helped me stay focused, develop leadership skills, and continue growing both academically and personally. My long-term goal is to begin my career in local or state law enforcement and eventually pursue opportunities in federal law enforcement, such as the FBI. However, my purpose remains the same regardless of the level I reach. I want to serve others, support my community, and create a positive impact in the lives of those around me. Being a first-generation student has not been easy, but it has made me stronger, more independent, and more determined. I have learned how to navigate challenges on my own, how to stay committed to my goals, and how to keep moving forward even when things feel difficult. My journey is not just about earning a degree, but about creating a new path for myself and my children.

Education is important to me because it represents opportunity, stability, and the ability to create a different future for myself and my children. As a first-generation, low-income student, college is not something that was automatically expected in my life. It is something I chose, worked toward, and continue to fight for every day. For me, education is more than earning a degree. It is a way to break cycles, build stability, and create opportunities that I did not always have growing up. Growing up, I experienced instability, including having a parent struggle with addiction. There were times when my family relied on food banks and programs like Toys for Tots, which showed me how difficult life can be without support. Those experiences shaped how I see the world and motivated me to pursue something different. I knew that if I wanted to create a better future, I had to take a different path, and education became that path. Returning to school has not been easy. I balance full-time work, school, and raising my children, which requires constant discipline and sacrifice. There are times when I feel overwhelmed, but I remind myself why I started. Education gives me a sense of purpose and direction. It has taught me how to stay focused, manage my time, and push through challenges even when I feel exhausted. Through my education, I am working toward a degree in Administration of Justice. I am committed to maintaining a strong GPA and staying involved in organizations such as the Women in Law Enforcement club and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. These experiences reflect my dedication to not only completing my education, but excelling in it. They also help me continue growing both academically and personally. Education is also important to me because of the example it sets for my children. I want them to see that no matter how difficult life can be, it is possible to keep going and achieve something meaningful. I want them to understand that education can open doors and create opportunities that might not have existed before. Everything I am working toward is not just for me, but for them and the future I want to give them. The legacy I hope to leave is one of resilience, growth, and opportunity. I want to break cycles of struggle and create a stable and supportive environment for my children. I want them to grow up knowing that they have options, that they are capable, and that they can build a future they are proud of. Beyond my family, I also hope to leave a positive impact in my community. My goal is to build a career in law enforcement where I can serve others, build trust, and help create safer environments. I want to be someone who not only responds to situations but also understands the people involved and treats them with respect and empathy. Ultimately, education is the foundation for everything I hope to accomplish. It is the tool that allows me to turn my experiences into something meaningful and to create lasting change in my life and in the lives of others. The legacy I want to leave is not just about success, but about perseverance, compassion, and the ability to create a better future.

I am a first-generation, low-income college student currently pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice while balancing full-time work, school, and raising my children. My life is built around responsibility, growth, and creating a better future for my family. Being both a student and a parent has required discipline, resilience, and strong time management, but it has also given me a clear sense of purpose. My family has shaped who I am in many ways. Growing up, I experienced instability, including having a parent struggle with addiction. There were times when my family relied on food banks and programs like Toys for Tots, which showed me how difficult life can be without support. Those experiences stayed with me and influenced how I see the world. They taught me the importance of perseverance, empathy, and the value of helping others during difficult times. Today, my children are my biggest motivation. Everything I do is to create a better life for them and to give them opportunities I did not always have. Being their mother has taught me patience, responsibility, and how to stay strong even when life feels overwhelming. I want them to grow up in a stable environment and to see that hard work and determination can lead to something better. I want to become a first responder because I have a strong desire to help people during some of the most critical moments of their lives. I understand that first responders are often the first point of contact in emergencies, and the way they handle those situations can have a lasting impact. I want to be someone who can provide support, remain calm under pressure, and help bring stability to difficult situations. My experiences have also shaped the way I approach this goal. I have learned that many people face challenges that are not always visible, and that has taught me to approach others with empathy and understanding. As a first responder, I want to be someone who not only responds to emergencies but also treats individuals with respect and compassion. I believe that building trust and communicating effectively are just as important as taking action. In addition to my personal experiences, I am committed to preparing myself for this career through my education and involvement. I am working to maintain a strong GPA and stay involved in organizations such as the Women in Law Enforcement club and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. These experiences have helped me stay focused, develop leadership skills, and continue growing both academically and personally. My long-term goal is to build a career in law enforcement and eventually pursue opportunities in federal law enforcement, such as the FBI. However, no matter where I am in my career, my purpose remains the same: to serve others, create stability, and make a positive impact in my community. Overall, my journey, my family, and my experiences have shaped my desire to become a first responder. I want to be someone who shows up when it matters most, who helps others through difficult situations, and who makes a difference in people’s lives. Everything I have gone through has prepared me to take on that responsibility, and I am committed to continuing to grow and work toward that goal.

While my long-term goal is to build a career in law enforcement, my interest in the nonprofit sector comes from the same place: a desire to serve and support communities that are often overlooked. Growing up in a low-income household, I experienced firsthand how important community resources and support systems can be. There were times when my family relied on food banks and programs like Toys for Tots, and those experiences showed me how impactful nonprofit organizations can be in people’s lives. Because of that, I developed a strong appreciation for the role nonprofits play in providing stability, resources, and support during difficult times. They do more than meet immediate needs; they give people hope and a sense that they are not alone. That understanding has stayed with me and continues to shape how I see my future. As a single mother balancing work, school, and raising my children, I have learned the importance of resilience, resourcefulness, and community support. These experiences have made me more aware of the challenges that many families face, including financial hardship, limited access to resources, and lack of support systems. They have also strengthened my desire to be part of solutions that create real and lasting change. Although my primary career goal is in law enforcement, I see the nonprofit sector as an important part of the broader system that supports communities. I want to be involved in efforts that go beyond responding to problems and instead focus on prevention, education, and support. Whether through volunteering, partnerships, or future involvement in community-based programs, I plan to stay connected to nonprofit work throughout my career. My education in Administration of Justice has also reinforced the importance of community-based approaches. I have learned that addressing issues such as crime, poverty, and instability requires more than enforcement alone. It requires collaboration between law enforcement, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders. By working together, these groups can create stronger, safer, and more supportive environments. Through my work, I hope to create a positive impact by building trust, improving communication, and supporting individuals and families in meaningful ways. I want to be someone who understands the challenges people face and approaches situations with empathy and respect. I also want to help connect individuals to resources that can improve their circumstances, whether that is through community programs, support services, or nonprofit organizations. In addition, I am committed to continuing my involvement in giving back. I have participated in food drives and community support efforts, and I plan to expand my involvement in nonprofit initiatives that align with causes I care about, including supporting low-income families and promoting stability within communities. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to a system that not only addresses challenges, but also works to prevent them. The nonprofit sector plays a critical role in that mission, and I want to be part of efforts that create opportunity, support, and positive change. My experiences have shown me that even small acts of support can have a lasting impact. Through both my career and my involvement in nonprofit work, I am committed to helping build stronger communities and creating opportunities for others, just as others once did for me.

Returning to school as a parent has been one of the most challenging but meaningful decisions I have made. Unlike traditional students, I did not have the ability to focus only on classes. I had to balance school with full-time work and the responsibility of raising my children. This meant that going back to school was not just about attending classes, but about completely restructuring my life to make it possible. One of the biggest challenges I faced was managing my time. My days are built around my children’s needs first, which means my schoolwork often happens late at night or during small windows of free time. There is no consistent schedule or “extra time,” so I have had to become extremely disciplined and organized. There have been many nights where I stayed up studying after my children went to sleep, knowing I still had to wake up early the next day to continue my responsibilities. Financial stress has also been a major challenge. As a low-income student, I have had to balance paying bills, supporting my children, and covering school-related expenses. There have been moments where I questioned whether I could continue, but I reminded myself why I started. I knew that returning to school was necessary if I wanted to create a more stable and secure future for my family. Another challenge has been the mental and emotional pressure of trying to succeed in multiple roles at once. Being a parent, a student, and a full-time worker can feel overwhelming. There are times when I feel like I am being pulled in different directions, and it can be difficult to give 100 percent to everything at the same time. However, these experiences have taught me resilience and how to keep going even when I feel exhausted. Despite these challenges, returning to school has also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has shown me that I am capable of more than I once believed. I have learned how to manage my time, stay disciplined, and remain committed to my goals even when circumstances are difficult. I am currently pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice while working to maintain a strong GPA and stay involved in organizations such as the Women in Law Enforcement club and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. These accomplishments reflect my determination to not only return to school, but to succeed in it. Being involved in these organizations has also helped me stay connected, motivated, and focused on my long-term goals. My children are my biggest motivation. Everything I do is to create a better life for them. I want them to see that education is important and that even when life is challenging, it is possible to keep moving forward. I want to show them that hard work, perseverance, and determination can lead to something better. Returning to school has not been easy, but it has changed my life. It has given me purpose, direction, and the opportunity to build a future that is more stable and meaningful. My goal is to graduate, transfer to a university, and build a career in law enforcement where I can make a positive impact in my community. Overall, the challenges I have faced in returning to school have made me stronger, more disciplined, and more focused. While the journey has required sacrifice, it has also given me the confidence that I can overcome obstacles and achieve my goals. I am committed to continuing my education and creating a better future for both myself and my children.

Returning to school as a parent has been one of the most challenging but meaningful decisions I have made. Unlike traditional students, I did not have the ability to focus only on classes. I had to balance school with full-time work and the responsibility of raising my children. This meant that going back to school was not just about attending classes, but about completely restructuring my life to make it possible. One of the biggest challenges I faced was managing my time. My days are built around my children’s needs first, which means my schoolwork often happens late at night or during small windows of free time. There is no consistent schedule or “extra time,” so I have had to become extremely disciplined and organized. There have been many nights where I stayed up studying after my children went to sleep, knowing I still had to wake up early the next day to continue my responsibilities. Financial stress has also been a major challenge. As a low-income student, I have had to balance paying bills, supporting my children, and covering school-related expenses. There have been moments where I questioned whether I could continue, but I reminded myself why I started. I knew that returning to school was necessary if I wanted to create a more stable and secure future for my family. Another challenge has been the mental and emotional pressure of trying to succeed in multiple roles at once. Being a parent, a student, and a full-time worker can feel overwhelming. There are times when I feel like I am being pulled in different directions, and it can be difficult to give 100 percent to everything at the same time. However, these experiences have taught me resilience and how to keep going even when I feel exhausted. Despite these challenges, returning to school has also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has shown me that I am capable of more than I once believed. I have learned how to manage my time, stay disciplined, and remain committed to my goals even when circumstances are difficult. I am currently pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice while working to maintain a strong GPA and stay involved in organizations such as the Women in Law Enforcement club and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. These accomplishments reflect my determination to not only return to school, but to succeed in it. Being involved in these organizations has also helped me stay connected, motivated, and focused on my long-term goals. My children are my biggest motivation. Everything I do is to create a better life for them. I want them to see that education is important and that even when life is challenging, it is possible to keep moving forward. I want to show them that hard work, perseverance, and determination can lead to something better. Returning to school has not been easy, but it has changed my life. It has given me purpose, direction, and the opportunity to build a future that is more stable and meaningful. My goal is to graduate, transfer to a university, and build a career in law enforcement where I can make a positive impact in my community. Overall, the challenges I have faced in returning to school have made me stronger, more disciplined, and more focused. While the journey has required sacrifice, it has also given me the confidence that I can overcome obstacles and achieve my goals. I am committed to continuing my education and creating a better future for both myself and my children.

Losing my grandfather to suicide is something that has deeply shaped who I am. I was 27 when it happened, and I witnessed it. Even as an adult, it was overwhelming and difficult to process. It is one thing to hear about loss, but experiencing it directly in such a sudden and traumatic way changed how I understand grief, mental health, and the impact it has on families. One of the biggest challenges I faced was learning how to process what I had seen. I was at a point in my life where I already carried responsibilities as a parent, student, and working adult, and this added another layer of emotional weight. There were moments where I felt shock, sadness, and confusion, and it was not always easy to talk about. Suicide is something that people often avoid discussing, which can make it even more isolating for those affected by it. Over time, I began to understand that healing is not immediate. It takes patience and reflection. I also learned that mental health struggles are often deeper than what we can see on the surface. This experience taught me the importance of empathy. It showed me that people may be carrying pain that others do not fully understand, and that it is important to approach others with compassion rather than judgment. Finding resilience has meant continuing to move forward, even when things feel heavy. As a single mother balancing work, school, and raising my children, I have had to stay strong and focused. My children have been a source of purpose and motivation, reminding me why I continue to push forward and build a better future. They give me a reason to stay grounded and hopeful, even during difficult times. This experience has also shaped my goals and the way I see my future. I am currently pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice, and I hope to build a career in law enforcement. I want to be someone who not only responds to situations, but also understands the people involved. Experiencing loss in this way has made me more aware of the importance of communication, awareness, and support when dealing with individuals facing emotional or mental struggles. I have also learned that resilience does not mean forgetting what happened, but learning how to carry it in a way that allows you to grow. I try to use what I have learned to be more present, more understanding, and more supportive of others. I believe that even small moments of compassion can make a difference in someone’s life. Hope, for me, has come from recognizing that even in the face of tragedy, it is possible to continue building a meaningful life. While this experience will always be part of me, it does not define me. Instead, it has helped shape my strength, my perspective, and my desire to create a positive impact. Moving forward, I am committed to using my experiences to grow, support others, and continue working toward my goals. Although the loss I experienced was painful, it has also given me a deeper understanding of resilience, empathy, and the importance of being there for others in ways that truly matter.

There was a time in my life when I felt like I was only surviving, not truly living or planning for the future. As a single mother balancing full-time work, school, and raising my children, my days are built around responsibility. My focus has always been on making sure my children are safe, supported, and cared for while staying committed to my education. It requires constant resilience, and there are moments when I feel overwhelmed, but I continue to push forward because I know I am building something better for my family. One of the biggest challenges I have faced is managing time and energy. I often study late at night after my children are asleep, knowing I still have to wake up early the next day to continue the same routine. Financial stress is another challenge, as I balance providing for my children while pursuing my education. Despite these difficulties, I have learned how to be resourceful, disciplined, and focused. I have learned how to adapt and keep moving forward, even when things feel uncertain. Through these experiences, I have developed resilience and a strong sense of purpose. I realized that while survival has been necessary, it is not where I want to stay. I want to grow, experience new environments, and create opportunities that go beyond what I have known. I want a life that feels meaningful, not just manageable. Studying abroad represents that shift for me. It is an opportunity to step outside of the environment I have always known and experience new cultures and perspectives. Growing up in a low-income background, travel was never something that felt possible. Because of that, studying abroad is more than just an academic experience, it is a chance to expand my understanding of the world and what I am capable of. As a student pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice, I believe that understanding different communities and systems is important. Studying abroad would allow me to see how other countries approach law enforcement, community relationships, and social challenges. This experience would help me develop stronger communication skills, adaptability, and a broader perspective, all of which are important for my future career. I am currently in the process of exploring study abroad programs that align with my major and long-term goals. While I am still finalizing details, I am actively researching opportunities that will allow me to gain both academic knowledge and real-world experience. My goal is to choose a program that will challenge me, help me grow, and prepare me for the career I am working toward. Studying abroad also represents something important for my children. I want them to see that it is possible to go beyond the limits of what we have experienced. I want to show them that growth, opportunity, and new experiences are within reach, even if they once felt impossible. The images I would include reflect both my reality and my goals. One would represent my daily life as a student and mother, showing resilience and responsibility. The other would represent my vision for the future, such as a place I hope to study or a symbol of growth and opportunity. Overall, my journey has taught me how to survive, but it has also shown me that I want more than that. Studying abroad is a step toward creating a life that feels meaningful, expansive, and full of opportunity for both myself and my children. Photo 1: My children Photo 2: A place I hope to study and grow both academically and personally

Going to college means more to me than just earning a degree. It represents an opportunity to change the direction of my life and create a better future for my children. As a first-generation, low-income student, college is not something that was always guaranteed for me. It is something I chose, worked for, and continue to fight for every day. My journey to college has not been easy. I balance full-time work, school, and raising my children, which requires constant discipline and sacrifice. There are times when I feel overwhelmed trying to manage everything, but I remind myself why I started. Going to college is not just about my success, it is about building stability and opportunity for my family. What I am trying to accomplish through college is both personal and long-term. Personally, I want to prove to myself that I can overcome challenges and achieve something meaningful despite my circumstances. Growing up, I experienced instability, including having a parent struggle with addiction, and there were times when my family relied on food banks and programs like Toys for Tots. Those experiences showed me how difficult life can be without support, and they motivated me to pursue something different. Academically, I am working toward a degree in Administration of Justice while maintaining a strong GPA and staying involved in organizations such as the Women in Law Enforcement club and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. These efforts reflect my commitment to improving myself and preparing for my future career. I am on track to graduate in Fall 2026 and transfer to a university, which is a major step toward achieving my goals. Professionally, my goal is to build a career in law enforcement where I can make a positive impact in my community. I want to be someone who not only enforces the law, but also understands the people I serve. I believe that building trust, showing empathy, and communicating effectively are essential in making a real difference. Long-term, I hope to pursue opportunities in federal law enforcement, such as the FBI, where I can take on investigative roles and contribute on a larger scale. Going to college also means setting an example for my children. I want them to see that even when life is difficult, it is possible to keep going and build something better. I want them to grow up knowing that education can open doors and create opportunities that might not have existed before. Everything I am working toward is not just for me, but for them and the future I want to give them. Ultimately, college is the foundation for everything I hope to accomplish. It is a path toward stability, growth, and the ability to create meaningful change in my life and in the lives of others. It represents determination, resilience, and the belief that my future can be different from my past. I am committed to continuing my education, reaching my goals, and building a life where both my children and I can succeed.

One of the most challenging parts of being both a student and a single parent is balancing time, energy, and responsibility without having much room for error. As a parent, my children depend on me for everything, from daily care and emotional support to making sure their needs are met. At the same time, as a student, I am expected to stay focused, complete assignments, and perform academically. There are many days where I feel stretched thin, trying to give my best in both roles while also working to support my family. Time is one of the biggest challenges. My schedule is built around my children first, which means I often have to study late at night or find small moments throughout the day to complete schoolwork. There is no real “off” time, and it requires constant organization and discipline to stay on track. It can be overwhelming at times, especially when unexpected situations come up, but I have learned how to adapt and keep moving forward. Another challenge is the emotional pressure that comes with wanting to succeed not only for myself, but for my children. I want to give them stability and opportunities that I did not always have growing up. That pressure can feel heavy, but it also motivates me to stay committed to my education. I know that what I am working toward now will have a long-term impact on their future. Despite these challenges, being a single parent while pursuing my education has also made me stronger. It has taught me resilience, patience, and how to manage my time effectively. I have learned how to stay focused even when I am tired and how to keep going even when things feel difficult. These experiences have shaped who I am and have strengthened my determination to succeed. I am currently pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice while maintaining a strong GPA and staying involved in organizations such as the Women in Law Enforcement club and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. Balancing these commitments alongside parenting and work has not been easy, but it reflects my dedication to building a better future for my family. Receiving this scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my life. Financial stress is one of the biggest challenges I face, and it often adds pressure to an already demanding situation. This scholarship would help reduce that burden, allowing me to focus more on my education and less on worrying about how to manage expenses. It would also give me more time to be present for my children while continuing to work toward my goals. More importantly, this scholarship would help me pave the way for my future and the future of my children. My goal is to complete my degree, transfer to a university, and build a career in law enforcement where I can create stability and make a positive impact in my community. Long-term, I hope to pursue opportunities in federal law enforcement, such as the FBI. For my children, this means growing up in a more stable environment with greater opportunities. I want them to see that hard work, determination, and perseverance can lead to something better. I want to break cycles of struggle and create a different path for our family. Overall, while the combination of being a student and a single parent is challenging, it has also shaped me into a stronger, more determined individual. This scholarship would not only support my education, but also help me continue building a future where both my children and I can succeed.

A meaningful relationship that has shaped who I am today is the relationship I have with my children. I truly love being a mother. It is the most beautiful thing I have ever accomplished in my life. Becoming a mother changed my perspective in ways I did not expect. It gave me a sense of purpose and responsibility that pushed me to grow, not just for myself, but for them. Every decision I make is now guided by the future I want to create for my children, and that has given my life a deeper meaning. As their caregiver, I am responsible for meeting their daily needs and creating a stable environment for them. I make sure they are safe, supported, and cared for emotionally and physically. I manage their routines, help with school, attend to their needs, and make sure they feel loved and secure. At the same time, I balance full-time work and my education, which can be overwhelming at times. There are days when I feel exhausted, but I continue to push forward because I know they depend on me. Being a mother has taught me patience, resilience, and unconditional love. It has shown me what it means to put someone else before yourself and still find strength. Even on the hardest days, when everything feels like too much, I look at my children and remember why I keep going. They are my motivation, my reason for working hard, and the reason I refuse to give up. This relationship has also shaped how I build connections with others. Being a mother has given me a deeper sense of empathy and understanding. I have learned that people often carry struggles that are not visible, and that has changed how I interact with others. Instead of judging quickly, I try to listen and respond with patience and respect. I value honesty, trust, and communication, and I bring those qualities into all of my relationships. My experience as a mother has also influenced my goals. I am currently pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice and working toward a career in law enforcement. I want to be someone who not only enforces the law, but also understands people and builds trust within the community. I believe that strong relationships are built through respect and understanding, and I want to carry that into my future career. At the same time, I am committed to growing academically and personally. I am working to maintain a strong GPA and stay involved in organizations such as the Women in Law Enforcement club and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. These efforts reflect my dedication to building a better future, not only for myself but for my children. Beyond my goals, my biggest purpose is to create a different life for my family. I want my children to grow up with stability, support, and opportunities that I did not always have. I want them to see that no matter how difficult life can be, it is possible to keep going and build something better. Being their mother is not just a responsibility, it is something I am proud of every single day. Overall, my relationship with my children has shaped me into a stronger, more compassionate, and more determined person. It has influenced how I see the world, how I treat others, and what I want to achieve in life. Being a mother has given me purpose, strength, and a reason to keep moving forward, no matter how challenging things may be. Being a mother is the most meaningful and beautiful part of my life, and it continues to shape the person I am becoming

My journey so far as a single mother pursuing my education has been both challenging and deeply meaningful. Balancing school, full-time work, and raising my children has required constant discipline and sacrifice. There are days when I feel stretched thin, trying to manage responsibilities while still staying focused on my goals. Time is one of my biggest challenges, and I have had to learn how to prioritize, stay organized, and keep going even when I am tired or overwhelmed. Financial stress has also been a challenge. Coming from a low-income background, I understand what it means to worry about basic needs while still trying to build a better future. There have been moments where I had to make difficult decisions, balancing expenses for my family while continuing my education. However, those challenges have pushed me to become more responsible and determined. They remind me why I started this journey in the first place. Despite these challenges, my journey has also been incredibly fulfilling. Being a mother is my greatest motivation. Everything I do is for my children and the future I want to create for them. Pursuing my education is not just about my own success, but about setting an example. I want my children to see that hard work, perseverance, and commitment can lead to something better. Even on the most difficult days, knowing that I am working toward a stable and meaningful future for my family keeps me moving forward. My education has also given me a strong sense of purpose and growth. I am currently pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice while maintaining a strong GPA and working toward graduating with honors. I am also involved in Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society and working toward active membership, which has pushed me to stay disciplined and focused academically. Balancing these commitments while working full-time has strengthened my time management, resilience, and determination. Another fulfilling part of my journey has been giving back. Growing up, my family relied on support systems such as food banks and programs like Toys for Tots. Now, I volunteer to help others in similar situations. Being able to give back in the same ways my family was once supported has come full circle for me. It has strengthened my desire to help others and contribute to my community. Through further education, I hope to uplift both myself and my family by creating stability and opportunity. My goal is to build a career in law enforcement where I can provide a secure future for my children and make a positive impact in my community. I plan to start in local or state law enforcement and eventually pursue opportunities in federal law enforcement, such as the FBI. More importantly, I want to create a life where my children do not have to experience the same struggles I faced growing up. I want to give them a sense of security, support, and opportunity that I did not always have. Education is the foundation that will allow me to do that. Overall, my journey has not been easy, but it has shaped me into a stronger, more focused, and determined person. The challenges I have faced have taught me resilience, while the fulfilling moments have reminded me why I continue to push forward. I am committed to using my education to build a better future for my family and to create a lasting positive impact in my community.

My experiences with mental health have shaped my goals, relationships, and overall understanding of the world by teaching me the importance of resilience, self awareness, and empathy. Growing up in a low-income household with instability and a parent struggling with addiction, I was exposed early to stress and uncertainty. While I did not always have the language to describe it at the time, those experiences affected how I processed emotions, handled challenges, and viewed the people around me. Over time, I began to recognize how mental health is connected to many aspects of life, including family dynamics, financial stress, and personal experiences. I learned that mental health is not always visible, and that many people are dealing with struggles that others cannot see. This realization helped me develop a deeper sense of empathy and understanding for others, especially those facing difficult situations. Instead of judging people based on their actions alone, I try to consider what they may be going through. These experiences have also influenced my goals. I want to pursue a career in law enforcement, but I do not see that role as only enforcing laws. I see it as an opportunity to interact with individuals who may be dealing with stress, trauma, or mental health challenges. My goal is to approach these situations with patience, awareness, and strong communication skills. I want to be someone who can remain calm under pressure while also recognizing when someone may need support rather than immediate judgment. In my relationships, my understanding of mental health has taught me the importance of communication and patience. I have learned that listening and being present can make a difference, even in small ways. I also understand the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining my own well being so that I can continue to support others without becoming overwhelmed. These lessons have helped me build stronger, more respectful relationships with the people in my life. My personal growth has required discipline and effort. Balancing full-time work, college, and raising my children has not always been easy, but it has helped me develop strong coping skills and emotional awareness. I am currently pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice and working to maintain a strong GPA while being involved in Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. These accomplishments reflect my commitment to improving myself and building a stable future. My understanding of the world has also changed. I now see how mental health plays a role in many larger issues, including crime, poverty, and community stability. This perspective has strengthened my desire to be part of a system that not only responds to problems, but also considers their underlying causes. Moving forward, I plan to use what I have learned to create a positive impact. In my career, I want to approach situations with empathy, fairness, and awareness of how mental health can influence behavior. Long-term, I hope to pursue opportunities in federal law enforcement, such as the FBI, where I can contribute to making systems more effective and responsive. Overall, my experiences with mental health have helped me grow into a more understanding, patient, and determined person. They have shaped my goals, strengthened my relationships, and given me a broader perspective on the challenges people face. These lessons will continue to guide me as I work toward building a meaningful career and making a difference in my community.

Drug addiction has impacted my life not because of my own use, but through the people and environment I grew up in. My mom struggled with addiction and was not consistently present in my life. As a child, I did not fully understand what addiction was, but I felt its effects. There was instability, uncertainty, and moments where I had to grow up faster than I should have. It was difficult not having a reliable parent and not always knowing what to expect. Growing up in that environment showed me how deeply addiction can affect not just one person, but an entire family. It impacts emotional stability, financial security, and relationships. I also saw how easily people can be judged without understanding what they are going through. These experiences shaped how I view others and taught me the importance of empathy rather than judgment. Instead of allowing those challenges to define me in a negative way, I chose to grow from them. I developed resilience and learned how to adapt to difficult situations. I understood early on that I wanted something different for my life and for my future family. That mindset pushed me to stay focused, even when circumstances were not easy. Today, I balance full-time work, college, and raising my children. This responsibility has strengthened my discipline, time management, and ability to stay committed to my goals. I am currently pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice and working to maintain a strong GPA while being involved in Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. These accomplishments reflect the growth I have made from my past and my determination to build a stable and meaningful future. My experiences have also influenced how I plan to move forward. I understand that addiction is not simply a personal failure, but often connected to deeper issues such as trauma, lack of support, and limited resources. Because of this, I want to be someone who approaches others with understanding and patience, especially in situations where addiction is involved. In my future career in law enforcement, I hope to make a positive impact by not only enforcing the law, but also by recognizing the human side of the individuals I encounter. I want to be someone who communicates effectively, listens, and treats people with respect, even in difficult situations. I believe that building trust and showing empathy can make a difference in how people respond to authority and whether they seek help. I also plan to continue giving back to my community. Growing up, my family relied on support systems such as food banks and community programs. Now, I volunteer to help others in similar situations. These experiences remind me that small acts of support can have a lasting impact and can help individuals feel less alone during difficult times. My long-term goal is to begin in local or state law enforcement and eventually pursue opportunities in federal law enforcement, such as the FBI. Through these roles, I hope to contribute to a system that not only addresses crime, but also supports individuals in finding better paths forward. Although addiction created challenges in my life, it also shaped my perspective, my resilience, and my desire to help others. It taught me the importance of strength, understanding, and perseverance. Moving forward, I am committed to using those lessons to create a positive impact and to help build a community where people are supported rather than overlooked.

The central idea of Marcus Aurelius’ statement is that true strength comes from mastering one’s internal responses rather than attempting to control external circumstances. He argues that while individuals cannot always influence what happens around them, they have complete authority over how they interpret and react to those events. This perspective reveals that resilience is not dependent on favorable conditions, but on mental discipline and self awareness. Aurelius challenges the common assumption that external events are the primary cause of suffering. Many people believe that hardship, loss, or conflict automatically leads to distress. However, Aurelius suggests that suffering is shaped by perception rather than circumstance. By emphasizing control over the mind, he implies that emotional reactions such as anger, fear, and frustration are not unavoidable, but are influenced by how individuals choose to think about their situation. This idea reflects the core principles of Stoic philosophy, which teaches that individuals should focus on what they can control rather than what they cannot. The deeper meaning of the passage becomes more significant when considering how unpredictable and uncontrollable life can be. External events such as personal loss, financial hardship, or unexpected challenges are often beyond a person’s control. Attempting to manage or prevent these outcomes can lead to frustration and a sense of helplessness. Aurelius offers an alternative approach by encouraging individuals to shift their focus inward. By doing so, a person can maintain a sense of stability and control even when their environment is uncertain. This internal control creates a form of independence that is not affected by external conditions. In addition, Aurelius redefines the concept of strength. Instead of viewing strength as the ability to control situations or dominate others, he presents it as the ability to remain composed and rational under pressure. True strength is demonstrated through patience, self control, and the ability to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. This form of strength requires continuous effort and self reflection, as it depends on personal growth rather than external success. It also promotes accountability, since individuals must take responsibility for their thoughts and reactions rather than blaming outside circumstances. This philosophy is especially relevant in modern society, where individuals are often overwhelmed by factors they cannot control. Social pressures, financial stress, and unexpected life events can create a sense of instability. Aurelius’ message provides a practical way to navigate these challenges. By focusing on internal responses, individuals can reduce stress and make more thoughtful decisions. Instead of reacting emotionally, they can pause, reflect, and choose how to respond. This approach not only improves personal well being but also strengthens relationships, as people are more likely to communicate calmly and effectively. Furthermore, Aurelius’ idea has broader implications for how individuals interact with others. When people recognize that everyone is dealing with circumstances beyond their control, it becomes easier to approach others with empathy and understanding. This shift in perspective can lead to more respectful interactions and a greater sense of community. By managing their own reactions, individuals can contribute to a more stable and supportive environment for those around them. Ultimately, Aurelius’ statement reveals that power is not found in controlling the external world, but in controlling oneself. By recognizing that the mind is within one’s control, individuals can develop the strength to navigate challenges with clarity and purpose. His message emphasizes that resilience is a skill that can be developed through practice and self awareness. Rather than being shaped by circumstances, individuals have the ability to shape their own responses, which allows them to face life’s difficulties with confidence and composure. Thank you for your time. Kassandra Cortez

Attending higher education is an essential step in helping me achieve my long-term goals and create a meaningful impact in my community. My decision to pursue a degree in Administration of Justice is not just about earning a diploma, but about gaining the knowledge, skills, and perspective needed to make a difference in the lives of others. Growing up in a low-income household, I experienced challenges that showed me how easily people can struggle without support or guidance. My mom struggled with addiction and was not consistently present in my life, which created instability during my childhood. There were times when my family relied on food banks and programs like Toys for Tots just to get by. Those experiences shaped how I see the world and inspired me to pursue a career where I can help others who are facing difficult situations. Higher education is helping me turn those experiences into purpose. Through my coursework, I am learning about the criminal justice system, including how laws are applied, how communities are impacted, and how different approaches can either help or harm individuals. This knowledge is important because it allows me to understand not only how to enforce the law, but also how to do so in a way that is fair, ethical, and effective. In addition to academic knowledge, I am actively working to strengthen my academic performance and maintain a strong GPA while balancing full-time work, school, and raising my children. I am currently involved in Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society and working toward active membership, which has encouraged me to stay disciplined and focused on my long-term goals. These experiences have helped me develop important skills such as time management, critical thinking, and the ability to stay committed even when faced with challenges. My goal is to begin my career in local or state law enforcement, where I can work directly with the community and gain hands on experience. Long-term, I hope to pursue opportunities in federal law enforcement, such as the FBI, where I can take on investigative roles and make an impact on a broader scale. However, no matter where I am in my career, my purpose remains the same: to help people, build trust, and create positive change. I plan to create a positive impact by approaching my career with empathy, fairness, and strong communication. I believe that law enforcement is most effective when officers build relationships with the community and treat individuals with respect. By understanding people’s backgrounds and challenges, I can help guide individuals toward better choices rather than simply reacting to situations. I also plan to continue giving back to my community. Growing up, my family relied on support systems such as food banks, and now I volunteer to help others in similar situations. This experience has shown me how important it is to support people not only during crises but also in preventing those situations from happening in the first place. Ultimately, higher education is giving me the tools to turn my experiences into action. It is helping me build a foundation for a career where I can serve others, create opportunities for positive change, and make a lasting difference in my community and beyond.

I believe my ability to build a more empathetic and understanding global community comes from both my personal experiences and the skills I have developed through overcoming challenges. Growing up in a low-income household, I experienced instability and lack of support at times, especially with my mom struggling with addiction and not always being present. Those experiences were difficult, but they gave me a deeper understanding of how people’s lives can be shaped by circumstances beyond their control. Instead of becoming judgmental, I learned to approach others with empathy and patience. One of my strongest skills is resilience. I have learned how to continue moving forward even when situations feel overwhelming. Balancing full-time work, college, and raising my children has taught me discipline, time management, and responsibility. These experiences have also strengthened my ability to remain calm under pressure and think clearly in difficult situations. I believe these skills are essential in building a more understanding community because they allow me to respond thoughtfully rather than react emotionally. Another important quality I have developed is empathy. Because of my background, I am able to see people beyond their circumstances. I understand that many individuals face challenges such as financial hardship, family instability, or lack of resources, and these factors often influence their actions. This perspective allows me to treat others with respect and understanding, even in difficult situations. I believe that empathy is one of the most important qualities needed to create positive change, especially in fields like law enforcement where trust between communities and authorities is critical. I have also made it a priority to give back to my community. Growing up, my family relied on food banks and programs like Toys for Tots, and now I volunteer to help others in similar situations. Being able to give back in the same ways my family was once supported has come full circle for me. It has reinforced my belief that small acts of kindness and service can have a lasting impact on individuals and families. Through my education in Administration of Justice, I plan to use my skills to help build stronger relationships between communities and law enforcement. I want to be someone who listens, communicates effectively, and treats people with fairness and dignity. By doing this, I hope to help create an environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and supported. My long-term goal is to begin my career in local or state law enforcement and eventually pursue opportunities in federal law enforcement, such as the FBI. In these roles, I aim to contribute to a more empathetic and understanding society by applying my experiences, skills, and values on a larger scale. Ultimately, I believe that creating a more empathetic global community starts with understanding others, showing compassion, and taking action. My experiences have shaped who I am today, and I am committed to using them to make a positive and lasting impact on the world around me.

Intimate partner violence is an issue that affects individuals, families, and entire communities, and it is often more complex than what is visible on the surface. Through both my personal background and my growing knowledge in criminal justice, I have come to understand that many victims do not report abuse, and even when they do, the system does not always respond in ways that fully protect or support them. Studies show that a significant portion of domestic violence cases go unreported or undercounted, which makes it harder to fully understand the scope of the problem and provide effective solutions. Growing up in a low-income household, I saw firsthand how instability, lack of support, and difficult environments can impact individuals and families. While my experience was not identical to intimate partner violence, it gave me a deep understanding of how people can feel trapped in situations without resources or guidance. It also showed me how important support systems are, whether through community programs, advocacy, or trusted individuals who are willing to help. Through my education, I have learned that there are many initiatives currently working to address intimate partner violence, including victim advocacy programs, prevention education, and law enforcement strategies. For example, some police departments have implemented co-response models where officers work alongside victim advocates to respond to domestic violence calls, providing both immediate safety and emotional support. These collaborative approaches have been shown to improve how victims are treated and supported during critical moments. However, I have also learned that not all programs are equally effective. Some interventions fail to reduce repeat violence or improve long-term outcomes, which shows that simply having programs in place is not enough. There is a need for more consistent, evidence based approaches that focus not only on responding to violence after it happens, but also preventing it before it escalates. Through my education in Administration of Justice, I plan to contribute to improving these efforts by focusing on victim centered and community based approaches. I want to be part of a system that listens to victims, takes their experiences seriously, and connects them to the resources they need. This includes improving communication between law enforcement, social services, and community organizations so that victims are not left to navigate these situations alone. In my future career in law enforcement, I intend to apply qualities such as empathy, patience, and strong communication skills when responding to intimate partner violence cases. I believe that how officers interact with victims can significantly impact whether individuals feel safe enough to seek help. Treating people with respect and understanding can help build trust, which is essential for long-term change. My long-term goal is to begin in local or state law enforcement, where I can gain experience working directly with the community, and eventually pursue opportunities in federal law enforcement, such as the FBI. In these roles, I hope to contribute to improving investigative strategies, supporting victim advocacy efforts, and helping develop more effective policies that address intimate partner violence at a broader level. Ultimately, I want to use both my personal experiences and my education to help create a system that not only responds to violence but actively works to prevent it. By combining knowledge, compassion, and collaboration, I believe it is possible to make a meaningful impact and provide better protection and support for those affected by intimate partner violence.

I decided to pursue a career in law enforcement because of the environment I grew up in and the experiences that shaped how I see the world today. I was raised in a low-income household, and my mom struggled with addiction and was not consistently present in my life. Growing up, there were times when my family relied on food banks and programs like Toys for Tots during the holidays. As a child, I didn’t always understand why things were so difficult, but I knew what it felt like to struggle and to need support. Those experiences gave me a deeper understanding of how easily people can fall through the cracks when they don’t have stability, guidance, or someone advocating for them. Instead of letting those challenges define me in a negative way, I chose to learn from them. I realized that I wanted to be someone who could make a difference in people’s lives, especially in moments where they feel lost or unsupported. That realization is what led me to pursue a degree in Administration of Justice and work toward a career in law enforcement. Through my own life, I have developed qualities that directly influence my decision to enter this field. I have learned resilience, discipline, and responsibility while balancing full-time work, college, and raising my children. I understand how to stay calm under pressure and how to handle difficult situations without giving up. Most importantly, I have developed empathy. Because of what I experienced growing up, I am able to see people beyond their circumstances and understand that everyone has a story. I also believe strongly in giving back to my community. As a child, my family relied on programs that helped us get through difficult times, and now I volunteer at food banks and participate in toy drives for families in need. Being able to give back in the same ways my family was once helped has come full circle for me. It reminds me that even small actions can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. In my career, I intend to positively impact society by being a law enforcement officer who not only enforces the law but also builds trust within the community. I want to approach situations with fairness, respect, and understanding. I believe that effective law enforcement is not just about authority, but also about communication, patience, and the ability to connect with people. By building relationships and treating individuals with dignity, I hope to create a safer and more supportive environment for those around me. My long-term goal is to begin in local or state law enforcement to gain experience and serve my community directly, and eventually pursue opportunities in federal law enforcement, such as the FBI, where I can take on investigative roles and contribute on a larger scale. No matter where my career takes me, my purpose remains the same to help others, create positive change, and ensure that people feel seen, supported, and protected. My decision to pursue this field is not just based on a career choice, but on my life experiences and the desire to turn those experiences into something meaningful. I want to be someone who makes a difference, especially for those who feel like they have no one on their side.

One of the most impactful influences in my life has been my upbringing and the challenges I experienced growing up. I was raised in a low-income household, and my mom struggled with addiction and was not consistently present in my life. Because of that, there were times when I had to grow up faster than I should have. I remember moments where we didn’t have enough, and my family relied on food banks and programs like Toys for Tots during the holidays just to get by. As a child, it was confusing and painful not fully understanding why things were the way they were, but those experiences stayed with me and shaped how I see the world today. Growing up in that environment showed me how easily people can fall through the cracks when they don’t have support, or someone who believes in them. It also taught me not to judge others based on their circumstances. I understand that people’s situations are often more complicated than what is seen on the surface. Instead of letting those experiences define me in a negative way, I made the choice to learn from them and use them as motivation to create a different future for myself and my family. As I got older I learned resilience, discipline, and the ability to keep going even when life feels overwhelming. I don’t give up easily, because I know what it feels like to have to push through difficult situations. I have also learned patience and responsibility through balancing full-time work, college, and raising my children. Every day is a challenge, but it has made me stronger, more focused, and determined to succeed. More than anything, I want my children to see that no matter where you come from, you can still build a better life through hard work and perseverance. One of the most important qualities I’ve gained is empathy. Because of what I experienced growing up, I am able to understand people without immediately judging them. I’ve also made it a priority to give back to my community. Now, I volunteer at food banks and participate in toy drives for families in need. Being able to give back in the same ways my family was once helped has come full circle for me. It reminds me why I continue to push myself and stay focused on my goals. These habits and qualities are what I plan to carry into my career in law enforcement. I want to be someone who not only enforces the law but also understands the people I serve. I believe it is important to approach situations with both fairness and compassion. Many individuals are facing challenges that are not always visible, having the ability to communicate effectively and show understanding can make a difference. My goal is to begin my career in local or state law enforcement, where I can gain experience working directly with the community and build strong relationships. Long term, I hope to pursue opportunities in federal law enforcement, such as the FBI, where I can take on investigative roles and make a broader impact. No matter where I end up, my goal is to serve with integrity, build trust, and be someone who helps others feel supported rather than overlooked. Everything I have experienced has shaped who I am today. It has taught me strength, compassion, and the importance of giving back. I want to use those lessons to make a meaningful and lasting impact in my community, especially for those who feel like they have no one on their side.